Regina’s Ragged Ass Barbers issues apology following human rights complaint

REGINA – Ragged Ass Barbers in Regina has apologized to a woman who was refused a haircut at their business because of her gender.

The woman filed a human rights complaint after the barber shop refused to cut her hair in August of last year.

The Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission (SHRC) announced today that the two parties have agreed to a “mutually amenable mediated settlement.”

According to the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission (SHRC), refusing service based on gender is contrary to Section 12 of the Saskatchewan Human Rights Code, which says no person may be denied “the accommodation, service or facilities to which the public is customarily admitted or that are offered to the public.”

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Craig Zamonsky, the owner of Ragged Ass Barber issued the following apology to Evie Ruddy:

“On behalf of Ragged Ass Barbers I would like to extend my apologies to Evie Ruddy. She should have not been turned away when she contacted the barbershop to inquire about getting a haircut. Ragged Ass Barber will do its best to continue to meet the needs of its customers within the scope we provide.”

Evie Ruddy said there are no more hard feelings after the 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 my family to experience what it is like to face discrimination and to voice it. The Human Rights Commission was very helpful in that regard. 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.”