Texas Woman Says She Was Fired Because of Her Gray Hair
- Posted on July 9, 2011 at 9:38am by
Madeleine Morgenstern
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Sandra Rawline, 52, right, with her lawyer Robert “Bigs” Dowdy. Rawline has filed an age discrimination and retaliation lawsuit against her former company, Capital Title of Texas, and alleges that she was told to wear younger outfits and dye her gray hair. (Associated Press)
HOUSTON (AP) — A 52-year-old Houston woman is suing after what she says was an order from her boss to dye her shoulder-length gray hair.
Sandra Rawline, who was an escrow officer and branch manager at Capital Title of Texas, said she was also instructed to wear “younger fancy suits” and lots of fancy jewelry. When she refused to dye her hair, Rawline says she was told her services were no longer necessary and she was replaced by a younger woman.
Rawline filed an age discrimination and retaliation lawsuit in federal court in Houston.
Capital Title of Texas says it didn’t terminate Rawline in 2009 because of her age or appearance, but because a customer no longer wanted to do business with her. CEO Bill Shaddock calls the allegations “completely baseless and preposterous.”
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Comments (110)
bestartist
Posted on July 9, 2011 at 1:34pmI guess the time has come when women over 40 will be put out to pasture,
Report Post »along with all the men who make under 250K a year, after all………..
just sayin’
Steel Awesome
Posted on July 9, 2011 at 10:48pmOh, I don’t know about that. There are plenty of beautiful women in my neck of the woods who are over 40.
Report Post »teddrunk
Posted on July 9, 2011 at 1:27pmShe will win the law suit. Perhaps then she could afford to spend a buck or two on some hair dye so she didn’t look 80. Or she can sit home with the money she made off of looking like a great grandma and clip coupons.
Report Post »mdlwoods
Posted on July 10, 2011 at 2:21amWatch it, Ted! i am a grandma and I clip coupons! lol
Report Post »RightPolitically
Posted on July 9, 2011 at 1:25pmI take a different position on this than most others would. Age discrimination is a fact of life, laws against it notwithstanding. It happens every day and can’t be stop. The fact of the matter is, “Youth must be served.“ It is in the DNA of humans to be drawn to ”youthfulness,” whether in personal life or a business setting. If, as the CEO of the company claims, she was fired because customers or a particular customer no longer wanted to do business with her, and the perception was that of aged appearance, then that CEO had a right to ask her to do all in her power to appear “younger.” Dying the hair, wearing “younger” styles of cloths, etc. After all, if her job required her to secure business from clients to the company and those factors hindered her from doing so, END OF STORY!
In my home town, a major metropolitan area, “real” unemployment hovers near 30%. Among older folks though, in their fifties and sixties, it probably approaches 70%. DNA folks, DNA!
Report Post »loveoursoldiers
Posted on July 9, 2011 at 9:02pmWhat young people don’t know is that they will be old one day and then they will not like being discriminated against.. everyone gets old.. hahaha
Report Post »RepubliCorp
Posted on July 9, 2011 at 10:17pmRIGHTPOLITICALLY (I cant be the only one) When I need advice, service or professional help I rather deal with someone 35-60 than a ditze that rolls her eyes or a guy that calls me dude.
Report Post »Talmid of Yeshua
Posted on July 9, 2011 at 1:06pmI hope this lady sues them for every dime they have. When a business discriminates in this fashion, they should put out of business.
I am Jewish, and I have a beard. My employer has made many comments about my beard. But I think they are smart enough not to fire me for it… because if they did, it wouldn’t be pretty for them.
Report Post »MalinkaZ
Posted on July 9, 2011 at 4:59pmI hate to say this, but there is a double edged sword in your argument, you may wear a beard or payes even and demand that you be accommodated so then the A rab woman who wears a head scarf has a point too. That’s why there are courts and if she can prove her case of age discrimination, power to her. Just be silent then when a Mu slim makes her case.
Report Post »tarbush
Posted on July 9, 2011 at 5:55pm@Malinkaz
This lady doesn’t want you to convert to islam or die. She also doesn’t want to implement sharia law into our sovereign republic.
Report Post »GodsPuppet
Posted on July 9, 2011 at 1:03pmNow that you will be interviewing for your next job, update your looks. If you choose not to color your hair , fine, but at least groom it some. And no you don’t have to wear short skirts, but current suits with some professional style. Your look may represent You, and You may look dated, old, unkempt. There are plenty of women and men looking for a job, any job , who will be willing to dress and groom themselves to look successful . In many relationships, people get lazy, comfortable, sloppy, then when they loose the relationship, they clean up ,take off the extra weight and get it together again .
Report Post »CatB
Posted on July 9, 2011 at 3:16pmI agree … this old gray long hair look is so OUT! Get a cut and style and they won’t notice the “gray” … I shop at a grocery store where a check out woman has that “look” and it always looks dirty too …I NEVER go through her line.
Report Post »emh1701
Posted on July 9, 2011 at 9:07pmI don’t think she should have to dye it but yes, a hair cut would help. The long, gray look is incredibly outdated. Most older women I see at work have got short hair cuts and modern styles.
Report Post »Hickory
Posted on July 9, 2011 at 12:38pmYou look pretty good to me Sandy. But of course, I am older than you are. The yuppie snots that are running our companies now days want trim little twits running around during working hours and, on some occasions, after working hours.
Report Post »momsense
Posted on July 10, 2011 at 12:00amAnd heating the sheets with the boss to keep thier jobs too.
Report Post »nugykent
Posted on July 9, 2011 at 12:04pmi agree with this woman.i am 52.lost my job of 28 years last dec.31,2010.i have not been able to get a job.i think it is mostly because of my age.i work out at golds mon-fri.walk at night for an hour.i weigh 200lb and i am 5-11,most people think i am in my high 30 or low 40.but employers just look at the age and think we are to old to work for them.
Report Post »Ravings of a lunatic planet
Posted on July 9, 2011 at 11:41amMaybe the eight guys under you didn’t have your back. Probably they were afraid of loosing their jobs. Look, private businesses are just that. They can hire and fire when ever they choose. Is it right? I don’t know. I would rather live in a state that has the right to work clause. Try living in the state of Maryland where 3 counties call the election. My vote means nothing. Geesh.
Report Post »keenwhiz
Posted on July 9, 2011 at 11:23amTake a quick look at the before and now photos of Eric Holder. Grey hair and he is racist, the worst combo in the work place, I mean government.
Report Post »SPOT_OF_TEA
Posted on July 9, 2011 at 11:21amI say leave this woman alone…….This won’t even be an issue in 50 years anyway when all women are wearing Burkas.
Report Post »searching for the Truth
Posted on July 9, 2011 at 12:25pmThat was funny – sad but funny.
Report Post »CatB
Posted on July 9, 2011 at 3:17pm50 years? You are an optomist .. I would say less than 10 .. more like ASAP.
Report Post »Charbet
Posted on July 9, 2011 at 11:07amHmmm. We are told we will have to work into our old age now. Then on the other hand you have employers who don’t want you anymore because you are old. What to do?!
Report Post »tarbush
Posted on July 9, 2011 at 5:49pmMaybe the death panels will expand their scope of operation.
Report Post »Marci
Posted on July 9, 2011 at 7:54pmAs an escrow officer, looking young is not a necessary thing to conduct business! Unless they can show she was detrimental to business, she might have a case. I am a strong believer in private companies having the right to terminate someone for their negligent actions, behavior, etc. But firings like this one make it easier to restrict what you can fire someone for in the future. Meaning….they’ll put a tighter leash on legitimate reasons based on this b.s.
Report Post »hcartexas
Posted on July 9, 2011 at 10:52amIts a right to work state. I fire people all the time for various reasons… either conform, submit, stfu, stfd, or gtfa…… its my money, Im the boss… my way or the highway.
Report Post »Apple Bite
Posted on July 9, 2011 at 11:06amIt’s a Right to Work state, sure. But that doesn’t mean you have the right to be a jackass towards your employees.
Report Post »Wes Hardin
Posted on July 9, 2011 at 3:10pmYou would have loved slavery times.
Report Post »cheeze is crust
Posted on July 9, 2011 at 4:08pmNo doubt whatsoever your business is heavily and purposely staffed by illegals.
Report Post »teamarcheson
Posted on July 9, 2011 at 5:31pmWe all believe in “truth in advertising.” Then your advertising should include your policy. Let the public know what you are doing so they can decide what to do. Such as… We do not abide by decency standards and our employees are not our most valued product.
Report Post »Marengo Ohio Patriot
Posted on July 9, 2011 at 6:21pmWish I knew what business you are the BOSS of, so I could be sure I’m never a customer! I’d let all my friends know too. You are a classic definition of a**hole!
Report Post »Teaparty-grammy
Posted on July 10, 2011 at 3:04am@ Marengo who Posted:
Wish I knew what business you are the BOSS of, so I could be sure I’m never a customer! I’d let all my friends know too. You are a classic definition of a**hole!
I don’t think he is being rude–he is just explaining how a lot of businesses operate these days. Many businesses simply do not value employees–with so many people out of work, the businesses that are owned by jerks just think people are a dime a dozen and they can always get more, so there is really no need to treat them with any dignity or respect. These are the same people who are in deep doo-doo when the economy improves and they can’t get anybody to work for them, because their company has such high turnover and such a bad reputation. Sad that too many companies operate like that these days.
Report Post »football lady
Posted on July 9, 2011 at 10:38amTwo sides here folks. However, if this is true and these are the only reasons, then Capital Title‘s person who fired her is an idiot and I wouldn’t want to do business with a company who has idiots like this. Having said that, if she was creating problems by being stupid herself, then I hope she loses. Mainly, I’m sick of money grubbing lawyers. She should have hired John Edwards (not doing too much ambulance chasing these days but he’s a real drama queen in the courtroom and has made zillions) before he goes to jail.
Report Post »NEAF
Posted on July 9, 2011 at 10:23amWhy do we want a old woman when a hot younger is better.
Report Post »cheeze is crust
Posted on July 9, 2011 at 4:06pmNEAF doesn’t say “hot younger woman is better” so we have to assume he means “hot younger man is better.”
Report Post »momsense
Posted on July 9, 2011 at 11:51pmYou;re a classic male chauvinist pig who thinks with your ****** not your brain!
Report Post »inpennanow
Posted on July 9, 2011 at 10:22amA company should have the right to determine their dress code in keeping with their image and branding. The company would like to portray an air of professionalism and, from the story, it seems Rawline‘s entire appearance didn’t match their guidelines of fancy suits with accessories. She’s not in a back-room position, but working directly with clientele and image is important. However, she was replaced by a younger woman.
Hair color isn’t a “protected class,” like gender or color, but hair color plays a role in gender/age discrimination. For instance, were men with gray hair also asked to dye their hair? What is the median age of the other employees? Capital Title may have gone over the line in protecting their image and discriminated, but the story doesn’t provide enough details to determine that.
Report Post »Ravings of a lunatic planet
Posted on July 9, 2011 at 11:35amExcellent point. The company should request the hearing/trial be moved to Florida. For sure they will be found “not guilty” of anything. :)
Report Post »1TrueOne55
Posted on July 9, 2011 at 12:58pmDress codes are one thing, but an Escrow Officer is not a booth babe position. Yes they work with the public but only after doing research and paperwork needs signatures from both parties doing the deal. Most of the time they are either on the phone or Internet researching public information about the property for sale and if each party has a legal right to sell or purchase etc.
So looking “Younger” has nothing to do with how the public interacts with you unless your running an Escort service. I want an escrow officer that has knowledge not looks. You can have grey hair and still look good.
But it sounds like the boss wants some younger prospects for his dating life.
Report Post »raininseattle
Posted on July 9, 2011 at 8:44pmPut on some make up.
Report Post »rienheart
Posted on July 9, 2011 at 10:16amIt is AGE DISCRIMINATION! WE are NOW a PROTECTED CLASS! She WILL win. The Only Class that is NOT protected is YOUNG WHITE MEN!! Too bad for you if you are MALE, WHITE and YOUNG. You are expendable. WELCOME TO THE COMMUNIST STATE.
Report Post »raininseattle
Posted on July 9, 2011 at 8:57pmYup, my perfect SAT score son got crap for scholarships. We were unemployed, 4 kids, and checked the little box that said WHITE MALE. We got crap, but 9 years later, he graduated with NO debt and has a fabulous job from a fabulous school. He and his wife paid for it all and went to school and worked full time. Screw it.
Report Post »ofallon
Posted on July 9, 2011 at 10:09amAngelCat is right. We don’t know all the facts. Sounds like he said, she said. Wait and see. Hope the truth comes out in a clear way.
Report Post »Gonzo
Posted on July 9, 2011 at 10:20amI agree. Bad employees say all sorts of B.S. after they get fired for being sorry. Wait and see.
Report Post »does this burka make me look fat?
Posted on July 9, 2011 at 10:07amSacredHonor1776
Doesn’t Obama have grey hair now?
Yes he does….but grey hair on men make them look distinguished which just proves Obama ain’t a man!!
Report Post »nomercy63
Posted on July 9, 2011 at 10:05amThis is happening far too often!!! Remember these clowns in Washington want to raise the retirement age to 70!!! Where are you going to work at 70!!!!!! you can barely get a job at 50!!!! Fight these people,fight, fight we are losing on all fronts!!!!
Report Post »InversionTheory
Posted on July 9, 2011 at 2:21pm“Welcome to Walmart, can I help you? … Welcome to Walmart, can I help you?”
Report Post »Charles
Posted on July 9, 2011 at 10:02amThere is a distinct prejudice against “older people” in this country. Those under the age of 30 have no use for them. Wisdom is no longer valued as it has been replaced with political correctness.
Report Post »raininseattle
Posted on July 9, 2011 at 8:50pmTrue that, but HAVE YOU WORKED WITH THOSE OVER 50????? They think the world OWES them something. They are rude, mean and have no manners. I am sorry, but I am busy and I don’t want to see your pictures of grandkids and antiques. I am in my prime earning years…and am BUSY. PUT ON SOME MAKE UP, it hurts my eyes. And don’t you DARE think it is okay to talk without your teeth or smoke in front of me. NASTY. Seriously, if you want grey hair, make it a real grey and a REAL style. Make it perky. PUT on some make up, cute glasses, and stop being so bitter.
Report Post »angelcat
Posted on July 9, 2011 at 10:00amWe don’t really know all the facts. If it really was the gray hair that caused the firing, I hope she wins her case. But what if there really were customers who refused to do business because of the way she acted? Then perhaps she shouldn’t win the suit? I hope the truth comes out and, if she truly was a victim of agism, she gets satisfaction. If she was just an employee with attitude, no compensation is necessary.
Report Post »MidWestMom
Posted on July 9, 2011 at 10:07amEither is possible of course. But I believe her lawyer could request the names of customers who “complained and no longer wanted to do business with her”
Report Post »Professional Infidel
Posted on July 9, 2011 at 2:17pmWho wouldn’t want a Nice tart to work with instead of a old grey hag??? I understand the logic, she should work for the gov. they got to hire anything that applies.
Report Post »Wes Hardin
Posted on July 9, 2011 at 3:17pmYou can bet that the company officers are busy bribing someone to support their position.
Report Post »grannyjojo
Posted on July 9, 2011 at 9:59amIIf the story is as true as it reads then I wish her the best of luck!!!! “Every knee will bow and every tongue confess”
Report Post »BlackAce41
Posted on July 9, 2011 at 9:58amShe will win. They have said such things to my wife. but i would like to see them try and fire her cause we would end up owning the hotel she works for.
Report Post »WhiteFang
Posted on July 9, 2011 at 12:32pmShe is a nice looking woman. Her hair however is a distraction, and if she would cut it shorter and color it properly, she would look real nice.
Report Post »Have you ever seen a nice car with old ragged wheels and tires on it?
Even a old ragged car looks better with clean shiny wheels. The lady needs to stop being so stubborn.
This also goes for men who refuse to clean up their appearance.
Aiser
Posted on July 9, 2011 at 9:53amShe will perhaps lose the case. It is still a private company she was fired from. As such the CEO has private property rights and can decide whats acceptable in his work place with no or hopefully no govt interference.
Report Post »chickenlittle
Posted on July 9, 2011 at 9:59amYeah, right. Sure. No government interference?
Report Post »beverlee
Posted on July 9, 2011 at 10:17amWhile a private company does have the right to hire and fire there are also laws on the book dealing with discriminatory practices,,,I believe this fits nicely into that cute litle cubby-hole. Unless you have written policy stating a dress code, you are pretty much beat. Depending how long she has worked there, whether or not her dress had recently changed the employer will have a fairly tough road to hoe. You cannot ask an older woman to dress like a younger woman. I, frankly, would not have wanted to see my mother in a mini skirt. Unless she was not doing her job, she should win.
Report Post »Islesfordian
Posted on July 9, 2011 at 10:21amWould that were so, Aiser, but the “private” sector ceased to be private long ago when anti-discrimination laws were made applicable to more than just the government.
Report Post »Wes Hardin
Posted on July 9, 2011 at 3:07pmShe will perhaps lose the case. It is still a private company she was fired from. As such the CEO has private property rights and can decide whats acceptable in his work place with no or hopefully no govt interference.
Report Post »*****
Remember that when they kick you to the curb for a capricious reason. When that happens be sure to tell us how wonderful it is. It’ll be good for a laugh.
mrsmileyface
Posted on July 9, 2011 at 9:41amAnd she WILL win the suit. And then good for her.
Report Post »SacredHonor1776
Posted on July 9, 2011 at 9:49amDoesn’t Obama have grey hair now?
Report Post »Ravings of a lunatic planet
Posted on July 9, 2011 at 9:50amI agree! Smart aZZ employers better look out for us gray haired ladies……..Grandma Grizzlies can get really nasty when provoked! Not that this woman is a Grandma but you know what I mean. :)
Report Post »Seabee79
Posted on July 9, 2011 at 10:04amGeeezzz I’m bald would they have made me put on a rug??????
Report Post »MidWestMom
Posted on July 9, 2011 at 10:05amI would have asked him to put all the “dress code” requirements in writing.
“I commend you for being committed to achieving excellence. I’m sure you want each and every employee to reflect the high standards you believe will benefit this company. Don’t you think a checklist of sorts would assist all of us in helping you achieve this goal?“ ”Don’t strain your fingers sir, I’d be happy to type it up for you.”
Report Post »loriann12
Posted on July 9, 2011 at 10:31amAnd what would they have done if she said it was against her religion to wear jewlery or short suits?
Report Post »Iman Barak Hussein
Posted on July 9, 2011 at 10:42amsorry to say that sometimes a woman who is graying, especially with sloppy hair, looks absolutely raunchy, and can be bad for business in a formal environment.
Report Post »V-MAN MACE
Posted on July 9, 2011 at 10:50amStop judging people by their looks.
That’s your problem for buying into a sexually driven facade that women have to appear a certain way in order to do business.
Report Post »banjarmon
Posted on July 9, 2011 at 11:38amSandra, take them to the cleaner. I had rather deal with experienced mature people in business that with eye candy.
Report Post »mils
Posted on July 9, 2011 at 1:26pmMidWestMom
Posted on July 9, 2011 at 10:05am
I would have asked him to put all the “dress code” requirements in writing.
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Report Post »Agreed…I would have asked that the hair color part be highlighted. I do need to add, I’ve seen ladies other than gray hair, that have limp, greasy looking hair…and they’re young..
I’m also interested in how she will prove this?