What to Know
- Four black firefighters are suing the FDNY after being put on light duty because they can't shave
- They suffer from pseudofolliculitis barbae, a.k.a. razor bumps, and were given medical accommodation to maintain close-cropped stubble
- But the FDNY revoked the accommodation in May, and the firefighters who couldn't get a clean shave were put on light duty
Four black firefighters have filed a federal discrimination lawsuit against the FDNY after being put on light duty because they can't shave.
The Daily News reports that the firefighters suffer from a skin condition caused by shaving and were given a medical accommodation allowing them to have close-cropped stubble as long as their breathing masks fit securely. Their attorney said the accommodation was revoked in May, and the firefighters who couldn't get a clean shave were put on light duty.
The skin condition, pseudofolliculitis barbae, is also known as razor bumps or barber's itch.
The lawsuit says a disproportionate number of black firefighters were adversely affected by the policy and were treated with hostility and disrespect when they questioned it.
The department declined to comment, citing pending litigation.
