A Regina woman has received an apology from the owner of a local barbershop, after employees at his business refused to cut her hair.
Evie Ruddy contacted “Ragged Ass Barbers Inc.” about a haircut on August 28, 2014. She says that the shop refused to cut her hair because she is a woman, a violation of Section 12 of the Saskatchewan Human Rights Code, which says that no person may be denied the accommodation, services or facilities to which the public is customarily admitted, or that are offered to the public.
Ruddy filed a human rights complaint against the shop, who acknowledged that they refused to provide the service because of Ruddy’s gender.
On Tuesday, Ruddy and the owner of the shop, Craig Zamonsky, came to a settlement through mediation, and Zamonsky apologized to Ruddy.
“On behalf of Ragged Ass Barbers I would like to extend my apologies to Evie Ruddy. She should not have been turned away when she contacted the barbershop to inquire about getting a haircut. It is and will be our policy to provide services to anyone who wants a traditional men’s haircut. Ragged Ass Barbers will do its best to continue to meet the needs of all of its customers within the scope of services we provide,” Zamonsky said in a statement.
Ruddy says she is satisfied with Zamonsky’s apology.
“Craig Zamonsky’s apology is very much appreciated, and I believe it to be heartfelt and genuine. It was a difficult time for me and my friends and family to experience what it is like to face discrimination and to voice it.” Ruddy said in a written release on Tuesday.
“Craig, as the owner of Ragged Ass Barbers, should be respected for this acknowledgment and for participating in an amicable resolution process. I look forward to feeling safer about being who I am,”
The Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission calls the resolution an “important dialogue” on the equality of all people seeking public services in Saskatchewan.
