[US] House passes CROWN Act to ban race-based hairstyle discrimination

On March 18, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the CROWN Act (Create a Respectful and Open Workplace for Natural Hair), in a 235-189 vote, bringing the nation one step closer to ending race-based hair discrimination, ABC News reports.

The CROWN Act will prohibit discrimination based on hair texture or hairstyle, with a specific focus on hairstyles associated with a particular race or national origin.

Following its passage, the bill will now head to the Senate to be voted upon with legislative sponsors Democratic New Jersey Senator Cory Booker and Representative Bonnie Watson Coleman leading the charge.

In a Twitter post, Rep. Coleman recalled that on the last day of Black History Month, 188 House Republicans temporarily obstructed the passage of the Act.

"Despite what my GOP colleagues may tell you, this bill is too important to give up on," she said. "That's why today, I brought it to the floor again."

Rep. Coleman further elaborated in a statement saying, "Natural Black hair is often deemed 'unprofessional' simply because it does not conform to white beauty standards. Discrimination against Black hair is discrimination against Black people. I'm proud to have played a part to ensure that we end discrimination against people for how their hair grows out of their head."

As many supporters and sponsors of the potential federal law continue to express their enthusiasm, several have also spoken out applauding the recent House passage.

"Every day in this country, Black women and girls face discrimination because of their natural hair at their workplaces and schools," Congressional Black Caucus Chairwoman Joyce Betty said in a statement. "So today, I proudly voted yes on the #CROWNAct to finally end race-based hair discrimination once and for all."

She continued, "It's simple; discrimination against Black hair is discrimination based on race. I look forward to swift passage of this critical legislation in the Senate and to standing with President Biden as he signs it into law. To every young Black girl and boy, I say to you, your hair - from your kinks to your curls, from your fros to your fades, from your locs to your braids - is a crown. Be proud of your hair and know the Congressional Black Caucus is fighting for you."

The Biden Administration has also shown support for the legislation by releasing a statement saying that the "administration looks forward to working with the Congress to enact this legislation and ensure that it is effectively implemented."

Following California's official ban in 2019, the CROWN Act has also seen legislative wins in 13 additional states including New Jersey, Virginia, Colorado as well as in 34 municipalities.

Source: ABC News

(Links and quotes via original reporting)

On March 18, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the CROWN Act (Create a Respectful and Open Workplace for Natural Hair), in a 235-189 vote, bringing the nation one step closer to ending race-based hair discrimination, ABC News reports.

The CROWN Act will prohibit discrimination based on hair texture or hairstyle, with a specific focus on hairstyles associated with a particular race or national origin.

Following its passage, the bill will now head to the Senate to be voted upon with legislative sponsors Democratic New Jersey Senator Cory Booker and Representative Bonnie Watson Coleman leading the charge.

In a Twitter post, Rep. Coleman recalled that on the last day of Black History Month, 188 House Republicans temporarily obstructed the passage of the Act.

"Despite what my GOP colleagues may tell you, this bill is too important to give up on," she said. "That's why today, I brought it to the floor again."

Rep. Coleman further elaborated in a statement saying, "Natural Black hair is often deemed 'unprofessional' simply because it does not conform to white beauty standards. Discrimination against Black hair is discrimination against Black people. I'm proud to have played a part to ensure that we end discrimination against people for how their hair grows out of their head."

As many supporters and sponsors of the potential federal law continue to express their enthusiasm, several have also spoken out applauding the recent House passage.

"Every day in this country, Black women and girls face discrimination because of their natural hair at their workplaces and schools," Congressional Black Caucus Chairwoman Joyce Betty said in a statement. "So today, I proudly voted yes on the #CROWNAct to finally end race-based hair discrimination once and for all."

She continued, "It's simple; discrimination against Black hair is discrimination based on race. I look forward to swift passage of this critical legislation in the Senate and to standing with President Biden as he signs it into law. To every young Black girl and boy, I say to you, your hair - from your kinks to your curls, from your fros to your fades, from your locs to your braids - is a crown. Be proud of your hair and know the Congressional Black Caucus is fighting for you."

The Biden Administration has also shown support for the legislation by releasing a statement saying that the "administration looks forward to working with the Congress to enact this legislation and ensure that it is effectively implemented."

Following California's official ban in 2019, the CROWN Act has also seen legislative wins in 13 additional states including New Jersey, Virginia, Colorado as well as in 34 municipalities.

Source: ABC News

(Links and quotes via original reporting)