In a continuing exploration of the unique challenges faced by Black attorneys in the legal profession, Angela Mackie-Rutledge delves into the subject of hair discrimination in the legal sector. Mackie-Rutledge, in partnership with legal organization MothersEsquire, is the author of the Black Hair, Big Law series, a research-driven initiative conducted in conjunction with the Big Law Black Hair Symposium.
A survey was conducted between September 10 and October 9, 2022, aiming to gather insights into the experiences of Black attorneys, paralegals, and law students related to their hair. The survey examined the perceptions people held about their natural hair, the occupation of the persons surveyed, how much they spent on hair maintenance, their firm’s size, and who in their professional environment judged hair most critically.
Interestingly, the most harshly critical demographic of Black hair in workplaces was reported to be white women, followed closely by Black women, then white men. This intriguing information was derived from the 9th question of the survey: “At work, who do you feel judges your hair most harshly?” Hispanic men and women, Asian men and women, and Black men were judged to be the least critical.
Mackie-Rutledge’s informative statistics underline her engaging discourse on the subject of hair-type discrimination, bringing the spotlight on a complex issue that rarely sees thorough scrutiny. Black hair and its impact on social and professional perceptions provide a crucial insight into structural biases prevalent in our workplaces and the legal profession.
This study will undoubtedly provide an indispensable base for future research, potentially influencing policy within law firms and corporations and leading to improved inclusivity in these environments.
For those interested in the comprehensive findings and further analysis, anticipate the publication of Part three of this series for further examination of the research. The study is expected to delve into the frequency of negative remarks concerning Black attorneys’ hair by their law firm colleagues and the unexplored hypothesis that Black women attorneys style their hair differently before and after hiring.
For a comprehensive grasp of Mackie-Rutledge’s work, her Part I of the Black Hair Big Law series is recommended reading. Her tireless efforts to highlight issues of diversity and acceptance in the legal profession underscore the importance of critical, in-depth research in these under-explored areas.
You can find more about Angela Mackie-Rutledge and her work on her LinkedIn profile.