"Black Police Officer Fights Hair Discrimination in Landmark Lawsuit"

A New Jersey police officer, Chian Weekes-Rivera, has filed a lawsuit against Maplewood Township and its police captain, alleging discrimination against her natural protective hairstyle. Weekes-Rivera claims that she was punished for wearing Bantu knots, a culturally significant hairstyle, which violated the department's dress code. She believes that her treatment violates the State of New Jersey's Law Against Discrimination and fears it may hinder her chances of promotion. The township and police captain have yet to comment on the case.