Court TV has details on Dillard’s response to a federal lawsuit complaining about higher prices charged black customers in the department store chain’s hair salon in Montgomery, Ala.

A defense brief submitted in Alabama federal court cites numerous supposed characteristics of black hair that make treating it more “time consuming and technically demanding than fulfilling the minimal (or non-existent) conditioning needs” of the typical white customer.

Advertisement

Vaughan Thomas, who filed the suit, tells Court TV that “hair is hair” and the price should be the same for everyone.

Added her lawyer, Patrick Cooper:

Advertisement

“It’s amazing to me that a Fortune 500 company would use this kind of pseudo-science in court to prove that it takes longer to wash African-American hair,” Cooper said.

“The day they can show me that every black woman in the country has the same hair is the day I’ll ask the judge to dismiss the case immediately.”

Advertisement

Be a part of something bigger

As a reader of the Arkansas Times, you know we’re dedicated to bringing you tough, determined, and feisty journalism that holds the powerful accountable. For 50 years, we've been fighting the good fight in Little Rock and beyond – with your support, we can do even more. By becoming a subscriber or donating as little as $1 to our efforts, you'll not only have access to all of our articles, but you'll also be helping us hire more writers to expand our coverage and continue to bring important stories to light. With over 63,000 Facebook followers, 58,000 Twitter followers, 35,000 Arkansas blog followers, and 70,000 daily email blasts, it's clear that our readers value our great journalism. Join us in the fight for truth.

Previous article Peace now Next article State tax sale voided