The CROWN Act, which stands for ‘Create a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair,’ is a significant piece of legislation designed to prohibit discrimination based on hair texture and protective hairstyles commonly associated with a particular race or national origin.
This act addresses a critical aspect of racial discrimination, specifically in the workplace and public schools, by making it illegal to enforce biased policies against natural or protective hairstyles, such as braids, locks, twists, and afros.
The enactment of this legislation marks a pivotal step towards promoting equality and combating racial prejudices, ensuring that individuals are not unfairly penalized or discriminated against for their natural hair and culturally specific hairstyles.
Did you know?
1. Over 20% of Black women 25-34 have been sent home from work because of their hair?
2. Black women with coily/textured hair are 2x as likely to experience microaggressions in the workplace than Black women with straighter hair?
3. Black women are 54% more likely to feel like they have to wear their hair straight to a job interview to be successful?
4. Nearly half (44%) of Black women under age 34 feel pressured to have a headshot with straight hair?
5. Black women’s hair is 2.5% more likely to be perceived as unprofessional?
6. 2/3 of Black women change their hair for a job interview? Among them, 41% changed their hair from curly to straight.
7. 53% of Black mothers, whose daughters have experienced hair discrimination, say their daughters experienced the discrimination as early as 5 years old?
In January 2019, California became the first state to introduce the CROWN Act. Gov. Gavin Newsom signed it into law on July 3, 2019. As of September 1st, 2023, the CROWN Act is law in the following states: Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and Washington.
It is imperative and overdue to eradicate hair-based discrimination in both workplace and educational settings. Such biases not only undermine inclusivity but also perpetuate unjust prejudices, making it essential to create environments where individuals are judged by their capabilities and character, rather than their hair texture or style.
I am hopeful and anticipate that this act will soon be elevated to the status of federal law, reflecting its significance and the widespread support it has garnered.
