Himiona wants to be a deputy sheriff in Outer Maple Grove County. Himiona, whose family is from New Zealand, has Maori ancestors. To honor his heritage, Himiona has a small moko tattoo across his cheeks and nose. Traditionally, moko was used to differentiate between and within Maori social classes, including stating regional or tribal affiliation based on the patterns and placement of the moko. The sheriff's department prohibits its deputy sheriffs from wearing visible tattoos. Himiona is told that he will need to remove his moko before he can apply to be a deputy sheriff.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The sheriff's department can enforce a dress code policy as long as it is enforced on an equal basis. The policy banning visible tattoos is likely a permissible dress code policy for a law enforcement agency to have a uniform appearance. Himiona's moko tattoo is not protected under Title VII as a national origin or racial characteristic, but rather as a cultural or religious expression, which does not have the same level of protection. Therefore, the department can defend against Himiona's claim by stating the dress code policy is necessary for the law enforcement agency.

Himiona Wants to Be a Deputy Sheriff in Outer Maple