The Banana Republic manager who suspended a Black employee for wearing box braids has been fired.
Earlier this month, 19-year-old Destiny Tompkins was suspended by a manager at her place of employment for wearing box braids to work. The manager thought they were too ‘urban’ and ‘unkempt’ for Banana Republic’s image. The manager said he refused to schedule her if she didn’t remove the braids, so she walked out and put the store on blast via Facebook.
via NYDN:
A Banana Republic spokesperson told the News that an investigation of the manager’s actions was conducted after Tompkins’ allegations went public and the manager was fired.
“This week, one of our store managers questioned an African American employee’s braided hair style. Our team began an immediate investigation and the manager involved was promptly removed from the store,” the spokesperson told the News. “This situation was completely unacceptable, counter to our policies, and in no way reflects our company’s beliefs and values.”Tompkins hasn’t posted any Facebook updates since her original one — aside from sharing an ABC News clip about the story — and it is unclear if Tompkins will return to the store. After the manager suspended her shifts, she walked out before her shift was over.
In Tompkins’ version of the story, the district manager arrived prior to the store manager calling her into his office, but Banana Republic has not yet made it clear if the district manager has faced any disciplinary action.
Check out Destiny’s post below.
