California Woman Sues Walmart For Locking Up Black Hair Products Behind Glass

Source: CBS

A California woman is suing a Walmart for discrimination after claiming the store locked up its African-American hair and skin products behind glass.

READ: Amazon Faces Backlash For Selling 'Slavery Gets S**t Done' Merchandise On Website

Essie Grundy, a resident of Perris, California, said she walked into a Walmart on January 12 to buy beauty products when she saw that the black beauty items were locked behind glass, according to a report from NBC 4 Los Angeles. On top of that, Grundy couldn't touch any of the products until an employee came and got them for her, and then accompanied her to the register to pay for the items.

Grundy said she complained to the employee who also complained about the policy, and informed Grundy that it was a directive from corporate. Following the incident Grundy returned a second time, where she said the section was still locked behind glass and updated with an overhead security camera.

Walmart responded to the claims, issuing the following statement:

"We serve more than 140 million customers weekly, crossing all demographics, and are focused on meeting their needs while providing the best shopping experience at each store."

"We're sensitive to this situation and also understand, like other retailers, that some products such as electronics, automotive, cosmetics and other personal care products are subject to additional security. Those determinations are made on a store-by-store basis using data supporting the need for the heightened measures. While we’ve yet to review a complaint, we take this situation seriously and look forward to addressing it with the court."

Grundy will be represented by Gloria Allred for the case.

"It was something I had to stand up for," Grundy said. "I would like the glass to go down, and for things to go back to the way it was, where it's not segregated and everything is where everyone can get what they need."

Source: NBC 4 Los Angeles