Tattoos – always a topic of debate. Are they meaningful art or just inked clutter? For firefighter Kay’Ana Adams from Alabama, one tattoo led to an unexpected controversy.
After just nine months with the Mobile Fire Department, Adams was fired in 2023 over a tattoo on the back of her head, done in 2022. The department’s rules only banned tattoos on the face or neck, so she believed she was in compliance. “I figured mine could be done in decency and order,” she said.
Still, a complaint was filed. Adams was told to grow out her hair to cover the tattoo—she did, but then another complaint came about her hair not meeting standards. “We have different textures of hair,” she explained.
Soon after, the department changed its policy to ban head tattoos entirely. Even though Adams’ tattoo was now covered, a captain photographed her head—and hours later, she was fired. “Definitely blindsided,” she said. “I was in compliance… it’s just a tattoo. What’s behind me shouldn’t affect the work that’s in front of me.”
Adams said her tattoo had personal meaning, symbolizing perseverance through scoliosis. “You can still achieve your goals regardless of obstacles,” she shared.
But she believes the tattoo wasn’t the real reason for her firing. Adams had previously spoken out about sexist remarks and racially insensitive jokes at work. Two captains who supported her were also disciplined—one suspended, one fired.
The department cited her termination as “failure to meet standards,” but for Adams, it felt like punishment for speaking up.