3 years ago
Eighteen-year-old Antonio Rowland lives in Bowie, Md., less than a mile from the Six Flags America amusement park. He's worked there every summer for the past three years. On Tuesday, Antonio was sent home. He says a supervisor complained his hair was too long.
Antonio lives with his grandparents, Carleta Roland a retired federal worker and John a retired DC police sergeant. They take pride in their grandson?s appearance and they feel managers at Six Flags have overstepped their authority with the grooming guidelines.
Some believe the park policy targets African Americans. At least twelve workers have asked the ACLU to get involved, after they were sent home with orders to cut their braids or cornrows.
Six Flags denies the allegations of racism and the new General Manager says grooming standards have been on the books for years but not enforced ... until now. In addition to hair, he says most jewelry and all visible tattoos are prohibited.
Antonio Roland was sent back to work Wednesday by his grandparents with 9 News tagging along. The senior to be at Tall Oaks high was again sent home by Six Flags.
GM Terry Prather says visitors will see numerous changes at the amusement park. Another, less controversial example, workers can wear sneakers but they must be black or white. Six Flags is under new management with Redskins owner Dan Snyder at the top.
Written By Bruce Johnson 9 News
