Store boss canned in ‘bias’ upbraiding

A BANANA Republic manager who suspended an employee for wearing box braids, calling them too “urban,” has been fired.

The unidentified supervisor at the Westchester, a mall in White Plains, suspended Destiny Tompkins, 19, saying the braids were unkempt and too “urban” for the store’s image. He also said he wouldn’t schedule her if she didn’t remove the braids.

Tompkins walked out and publicly called out the store in a Facebook post on Wednesday that went viral.

A Banana Republic spokesman told the Daily News an investigation of the manager’s actions was conducted after Tompkins’ allegations and the manager was fired.

“This week, one of our store managers questioned an AfricanAmerican employee’s braided hairstyle. Our team began an immediate investigation, and the manager involved was promptly removed from the store,” the rep told The News. “This situation was completely unacceptable, counter to our policies, and in no way reflects our company’s beliefs and values.”