Suit: Drop ‘good moral character’ cosmetologist requirement
Posted Dec 12, 2018 04:07:34 PM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
PHILADELPHIA — Two Pennsylvania cosmetologists are suing the state for denying their license applications because of their criminal records.
Courtney Haveman and Amanda Spillane filed the suit Tuesday, with the help of non-profit law firm the Institute for Justice.
They claim the state’s good moral character requirement for cosmetologists is unfair and unconstitutional, especially since it doesn’t apply to barbers.
The women say they suffered from addictions in the past, which led to criminal records.
The two women who want to be estheticians say they’ve turned their lives around, completed beauty school and had jobs lined up. Nonetheless, their license application was denied, citing their moral character.
Their lawyers say the definition is vague and creates employment barriers for ex-offenders.
A message was left with the state’s cosmetology board.
The Associated Press
