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FTW Teen Rejected by Six Flags Because of Dreads Catches Eye of Modeling Agency

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A Fort Worth teen who was rejected for employment at Six Flags Over Texas a few months ago is now well on his way to a lucrative modeling career.

17-year old Kerion Washington’s story went viral last month after he tried to get a job at the amusement park in Arlington, but was told that he would have to cut his hair.

He told the Dallas Morning News:

“They told me I could cut my hair and come back, that it’s just hair and it would grow back. But they compared it to having a tattoo. I didn’t want to cut it.”

Washington was disappointed but not defeated; he simply began looking for a different job.

It was his mother, Karis Washington who shared what happened with her son in a Facebook post back in March.  Part of her post said that she spoke to the HR manager and that she had read the grooming policy for employees:

“I told her i read the grooming policy and it says your hair cannot hang more than 2 inches below your collar and 2 inches above your head including dreads, braids, etc….nowhere did i read dreads are not allowed.”  

She told the newspaper, “His hair doesn’t tell you about his work ethic.”  I know that’s right!

The post was shared thousands of times, eventually landing in the hands of an Austin-based talent agency where talent scout Corrie Caster with IMG Models said Kerion’s photo caught his attention immediately.

Since June, Kerion has been working with agency, learning various modeling poses and about the industry.

In the meantime, Six Flags has since its policy related to dreadlocks, and they wish Kerion well.

Mom Washington on the other hand said, “Thank you, Six Flags for not hiring Kerion!” according to the newspaper.

Read more here.

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Karis Washington’s Facebook post:

Took my son for an interview at 6 flag…he didnt get the job cuz he has locs (dreads)🙁🙁🙁…smhUpdate: my son…

Posted by Karis Washington on Saturday, March 23, 2019

(Source: Dallas Morning News, Facebook)

 

 

 

 

 

 


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