Disney Lawsuit ... Removal of Beard and Turban

[WaltD4Me]

I'm with Pete on the issue, I can definitely see both sides. I see Disney's point and I see the employees point. After thinking about it more though, I think I have to come down on the side of Disney.

Disney employees are called cast members, when they work out front with the public, they are are part of a show, a show that Disney worked very hard to submerse it's guests in...i.e. having the utilidors, so that Frontierland employees wouldn't be seen walking through Tomorrowland, forced perspective, being conscience of building the different lands, so that you couldn't see Splash Mountain in Tomorrowland, that kind of thing. So even though it's a broad analogy, it is sort of the same as this person trying out for a play, if he was cast in Our Town or Pirates of Penzance, he would be asked to remove his turban and shave his beard, something no one would find discriminatory, it's part of playing a role. Yes, this person has religious reasons for his appearance, but what if he was trying to get a job as Aladdin or Prince Charming, those are a more specific looks, but the premise isn't that different.

Just my 2 cents.

 

[alebisi]

totally agree

 

[wishspirit]

I do see people's points, but i don't see how people in turbans get rid of the show. I live in a very multi-cultural society. I see women in head to toe dress and men in turbans the whole time. Maybe its time for Disney to embrace some cultural differences in its cast members.

I don't know what position he was up for, but seeing a guy in a turban in a shop or directing for a show, would not worry me in the least!

Maybe thats the way i have been brought up, but i can see Disney's point too. I would be interested to know what position he applied for!

 

[WaltD4Me]

I do see people's points, but i don't see how people in turbans get rid of the show. I live in a very multi-cultural society. I see women in head to toe dress and men in turbans the whole time. Maybe its time for Disney to embrace some cultural differences in its cast members.

I don't know what position he was up for, but seeing a guy in a turban in a shop or directing for a show, would not worry me in the least!

Maybe thats the way i have been brought up, but i can see Disney's point too. I would be interested to know what position he applied for!

I am pretty sure I heard he was applying to be a trumpet player in a show or a parade. I don't know what show or what parade or even at what park. I'm not sure, but I thought I'd read that the costume for that required a hat and the hat couldn't be worn over the turban (it didn't fit)

I live in multi-cultural society too, I see lots of women in full dress and men in turbans too, but that is just in my everyday life... but it isn't like Target is trying to create an "experience" for me while I'm shopping.

It wouldn't worry me to see a guy in a Disney shop wearing a turban and a beard either, but I think it might take away from the experience some to find a woman in full sari and headscarf working at the Christmas store at Liberty Square.

 

[Justish]

Unless it was a christmas sari? I don't know if those two could really go together though...

In all honesty, beliefs and personal opinions aside, it just comes down to rules. Before you even apply for the job, Disney runs you through a video, a interview and a training program that constantly iterates a standard of dress and look. It has NOTHING to do with you, and everything to do with disney. They have settled on a uniformity of look dress and persona. If you cannot adhere to their uniform design, you are probably not eligable to work for them. Much like I, as a mormon young woman, soon to be wearing garnments which should not be visibile and kept underneath my clothing. You would not find me trying to apply for a possition as a catwalk model for Madrid or Malan or New York due to the lack of clothing cover. It is a personal choice, it is an understanding I have with the industry and it is a knowledge that they, as a large industry, wont bend their possition for lil ol me, and even if they did, it would be like walking on egg shells all day long, a no fun no win situation.

Many jobs have requirements we can't fufill, make it easy on yourself and don't push where it wont budge. Some people may dream of being CMs, but perhaps a cast possition behind the scenes may be better for anyone with adversities to changing their outer appearance... that is just... the way things are.


Whoo that was a long one!

~Ally

 

[drakethib]

Gonna have to disagree here.

CM's to me are actors and have to wear costumes. YMMV.

Anyone seen Mickey Mouse wearing a necklace with a cross on it?

Notice Donald carrying a rosary while walking down main street?

I don't know but I would have to guess that there are rules of employment before you accept a job with Disney.

And with that being said, if you really believed any company was doing something that was against your beliefs, why would you want to work there anyway?

I hope it all works out for everyone, but to me I think this is a waste of time and money. Again, JMHO. YMMV.

 

[WaltD4Me]

Gonna have to disagree here.

CM's to me are actors and have to wear costumes. YMMV.

Anyone seen Mickey Mouse wearing a necklace with a cross on it?

Notice Donald carrying a rosary while walking down main street?

I don't know but I would have to guess that there are rules of employment before you accept a job with Disney.

And with that being said, if you really believed any company was doing something that was against your beliefs, why would you want to work there anyway?

I hope it all works out for everyone, but to me I think this is a waste of time and money. Again, JMHO. YMMV.

Well, I will say, the beard issue is a little different. It isn't like you can take it off and put it back on at will. Actually that is mostly where I see the point of the employee. It isn't just for vanity, his religion beliefs are the reason for the beard. The turban is one thing, if you apply for a job that requires a costume, then yes, you need to remove the turban to wear the costume, but the beard, well he can't just remove it and put it back on after your shift.

I have never looked, but has anyone ever noticed an employee wearing
a yarmulke? I wonder what Disney's position on that is.

 

[lilmrsellis]

I can't see where this guy is doing anything but wasting his money and energy. Disney has no obligation or duty to employ him under the law. They do have to have uniform employment policy, which Disney does. Disney basically says "We will employ you if you do the following". As there is no descrimination, therefore he doesn't really have a case.

 

[catycatcat4]

he should of known he couldnt wear it in the parks he probably knew before he was even hierd

Appearance:
Cast Members are part of the show. Therefore Cast Members need to follow the Disney Look, a set of appearance guidelines that is designed to complement both Cast Members and the show. Additionally, as part of their role Cast Members may be required to wear a costume issued from our Wardrobe department.

For males in an on-stage role, hair must be cut above the ear and off the back of the collar with no defined cut or lines and must be a natural color. Males should be clean-shaven and may have a mustache that should not extend past the corners of the lip. No earrings, necklaces or bracelets may be worn. One ring on each hand and a wristwatch are acceptable. Any candidates with visible tattoos must comply with the tattoo policy in order to be considered for a themed area.

For females, the Disney Look means hair must be one natural shade, with no frosting. Makeup should be natural looking and lightly blended. Earrings may be post-style, no larger than a quarter and necklaces and bracelets are not allowed in costumed areas. One ring on each hand and a wristwatch are acceptable. Fingernails may be one-fourth of an inch beyond the fingertip and a clear or natural polish may be worn in most areas. Any candidates with visible tattoos must comply with the tattoo policy in order to be considered for a themed area.

For the interview process, we recommend applicants dress professionally. For hourly roles: well-groomed, clean clothes with a neat appearance. For professional roles: standard business or office attire is appropriate.

from. http://www.disney.go.com/DisneyCareers/wdwcareers/hourly/additionalinfo.html


So im with disney the guy did/should of known he would not be able to wear the beard or turban.

 

[jlewisinsyr]

Just trying to make a buck in a litigous society...

 

[ConcKahuna]

I have never looked, but has anyone ever noticed an employee wearing
a yarmulke? I wonder what Disney's position on that is.

I have known jewish CMs who were allowed to wear a yarmulke, but again it depends on the position. If they are in a heavily-themed position (like entertainment), they wouldn't be allowed to do so. Most other positions it wouldn't matter.