California was the first state to implement the CROWN act. Are you properly protecting your business? Do you have the proper policies in place?
Read on for detailed information into what the CROWN ACT is and the historical context as to why it was created.
“Our hair is more than just a style. It shows where we come from, our strength, and who we are. So, stopping someone from wearing their hair how they want takes away their dignity and freedom. – Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley
The CROWN Act started in 2019 to stop hair discrimination. It was made by Dove, the CROWN Coalition, and Holly J. Mitchell, a State Senator in California. It protects people from being treated unfairly because of their hair, like braids, locs, twists, and knots. This is important in schools and at work.1 However, many Black women still face hair discrimination at work. This can make it hard for them to get jobs or move up in their careers.1 Dove and LinkedIn did a study in 2023 to show how hair discrimination affects Black women at work. Their findings underline the need for big changes.
Key Takeaways:
The CROWN Act was created to protect against discrimination based on race-based hairstyles and hair textures.
Black women are 1.5 times more likely to be sent home from work due to their hair and 80% more likely than white women to change their hair to fit in.
Hair-based discrimination has significant professional, educational, economic, and health implications for Black and brown individuals.
The CROWN Act aims to expand the definition of race to include hair texture and protective hairstyles, providing comprehensive legal protections.
Federal legislation is needed to ensure consistent and nationwide protections against hair-based discrimination.
The1CROWN Act is a law from 2019. It was made by Dove and partners. Now, State Senator Holly J. Mitchell of California helped too. The law protects people from being treated unfairly because of their hair at work and school. It looks out for hairstyles like braids, locs, twists, and knots.2
Origins and Purpose
The CROWN Act started because hair discrimination is still a big issue. It especially affects Black women. They may not get jobs or move up in their careers because of their hair.
The law’s goal is to change this. It makes sure that rules about fairness include different hair textures and styles.1
Key Provisions and Protections
The CROWN Act stops unfair treatment because of hairstyles. It covers both work and school. This law adds hair textures and styles to the rules about not being racist.2
Race-based hair discrimination is a big issue, especially for Black women looking for jobs. They often face hurdles in the workplace because of their hair.3 For instance, Black women are more likely to be sent home because of their hair compared to white women. They also feel pressured to change their natural hair to fit in at work.3
Discrimination in the Workplace
Many studies show that hair discrimination is really about race. It hurts both economically and socially.3 For example, in 2016, a Black waitress lost her job for wearing her hair in a bun. Then, in 2019, a Black news anchor was fired for her natural hair, which the company called “shaggy and unkempt.”3 In 2021, another Black woman lost her sales job for choosing to wear her Afro hair instead of wigs.3
Discrimination in Schools
Even schools are no stranger to hair discrimination. For instance, a student in Texas was suspended for having locs, and twin sisters in Boston were punished for braids.3 The story of a young student named Joshua almost not walking at his graduation due to his dreadlocks sparked a huge petition.3 After lots of pressure, the school changed its rules on dreadlocks.3
Social media has been a big support for the CROWN Act. This act is all about making sure places welcome natural hairstyles. It pushes for laws that would punish those who are discriminatory.3
Metric
Value
Prevalence of hair discrimination in the beauty industry
Hair-based discrimination affects Black and brown people a lot. It hurts their chances at work and school. For work, if someone is discriminated against because of their natural or protective hairstyles, they might lose their job. They might also miss out on chances to move up or face being sent home.
More than 20% of Black women aged 25-34 have been sent home from work due to their hair. Black women with textured hair are also twice as likely to face small, harmful comments at work than those with straight hair.
This issue is not just at work. It’s in schools too. Students have faced punishments, suspensions, or been stopped from joining in fun activities or celebrating their graduation because of how they wear their hair.5 This kind of discrimination hurts Black people’s chances to learn or get good jobs.5
Economic and Health Implications
Pushing to look a certain way can also cost Black people a lot of money. Many Black women change their hair to look more like the standard. This means a lot of time and a big part of their budget goes to hair care. In 2022, Black people spent $2.3 billion on stuff for their hair. That was the biggest amount spent on beauty for many.
But it’s not just the cost. The products used to look a certain way can be bad news for health too. They have been known to mess with hormones and even raise cancer risk. These issues go beyond work and school, hurting the health of Black and brown folks.
crown act Hairstyle discrimination
The CROWN Act fights hair-based discrimination. It does this by making the law see hair as part of race. This includes hair texture and styles like braids and twists. It’s important because some schools and jobs banned these natural styles. This led to unfair treatment of Black children and adults.1
Defining Protective Hairstyles
Protective styles like braids and locs are now legally protected thanks to the CROWN Act. These styles are important to African and African American culture. They help people express their identity. The CROWN Act stands against the idea that only one type of beauty is right.
Expanding the Definition of Race
The CROWN Act is bold for seeing hair as part of race.5 In fact, a study from 2023 shows Black women’s hair is often labeled “unprofessional.”5 By changing the rules, the CROWN Act wants to stop hair discrimination in places like work and school.
The Need for Federal Legislation
Progress from laws like the CROWN Act in 24 states is good. But6federal legislation is still crucial. Courts differ on if natural hairstyles discrimination is banned under current laws like Title VII. This law only looks at things that can’t change. The6 CROWN Act aims to fix this by adding hair texture and styles to the definition of race. This would give everyone clear protection from5 hair discrimination all over the U.S.
Varying State and Local Protections
In 2019, California made history by passing the CROWN Act first. Since then, 24 other states and the U.S. Virgin Islands followed.6 As of now, Texas is the most recent state to join.6 But, 20 more states and Washington, D.C., are considering it. While these steps forward are important, without federal support,5 more than 44% of Black women can still face hair-based prejudice.
Closing the Legal Loophole
The House approved the CROWN Act in 2019 and 2022, but it was stopped in the Senate.6 Senate Republicans didn’t let it pass in 2022. This shows why federal lawmakers need to act. They can fix the loophole that lets5 hair discrimination, mostly against Black women, go on. By clearly including hair in the definition of race, the CROWN Act would protect everyone fairly.
Employers and the CROWN Act
The CROWN Act movement is growing, and employers need to get ahead of it. They must make sure their workplaces are both free from bad hair policies and supportive. This means looking through employee handbooks and getting rid of rules that discriminate.5
Updating Policies and Procedures
Companies in CROWN Act states have to change their rules. Race now includes how your hair looks and different styles like braids. This move helps make the field fairer for all, no matter their natural hair.5
Promoting Diversity and Inclusion
Employers should also work to be more inclusive. They can do this by teaching their leaders to be culturally aware and kind. They need to make sure everyone knows the workplace should be free from any kind of bias.2
This effort shows they are serious about creating fair, safe spaces. It also helps keep their company away from any discrimination troubles.2
The CROWN Movement and Advocacy
The7CROWN Coalition was set up by Dove, the National Urban League, Color of Change, and the Western Center for Law & Poverty. They lead the fight for the CROWN Act. It pushes lawmakers in states and cities to protect hair texture and protective styles at work and in schools. Thanks to their work, now 24 states and many cities have laws to shield people from hair-based discrimination. Even more places are looking to make these changes.7 Their aim is to pass a federal CROWN Act law. This would give everyone in the U.S. protection from being treated unfairly because of their hair.7
The CROWN Coalition
The CROWN Coalition is made up of groups like Dove, the National Urban League, and Color Of Change. They are all in for anti-discrimination laws.7 Lots of groups and people are also on board with The CROWN Act. This includes the NAACP, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, and the National Association of Colored Women’s Clubs. They work in different areas like social justice, business, and health.7
Efforts to Pass State and Local Laws
The first CROWN Act started in California7. It changed state laws to protect people with different hair types at work and in schools.7 Since then, many states have looked to do the same. New York, New Jersey, and Virginia are just a few working on laws inspired by The CROWN Act.7
Personal Stories and Experiences
Some individuals have faced discrimination because of their hair. This has happened while looking for jobs and in the workplace. For example, CaSandra Glover talked about her fight to fit in a “white-dominated” workplace. She was scared she might be seen as lesser because of her natural hair.8
Isaiah Bailey also shared a similar worry. He works at the Topos Partnership and spoke about how people often fear their natural hair might harm their career. He’s determined to keep his locs despite this.8
These stories show the ongoing struggles Black and brown individuals face in their careers. These issues are connected to hair-based discrimination.
Challenges for Job Candidates
Black women face more challenges because of their hair. They are 1.5 times more likely to be sent home from work. Plus, they’re 80% more likely than white women to feel they must change their hair to fit into the office.8
There’s a lot of pressure on them to look a certain way. This ideal is often linked to Eurocentric beauty, promoting straight hair. Such standards are deeply connected to racism and the wish to keep spaces white.8
During job searches, Black women with natural hair often receive negative reviews. This reveals underlying biases.8
Workplace Discrimination Accounts
Hair discrimination is largely about race. It causes severe social and economic harm to Black people who choose to keep their hair natural.8
Policies like dress codes can enforce these harmful standards. They play a role in white supremacy and other oppressive actions, like removing Black students from classes or adults from their jobs.8
In the workplace, real diversity and inclusion must focus on valuing everyone’s unique contributions. It should not be about following old, limiting standards.8
Legal Precedents and Court Cases
The legal world around hair discrimination is complex. It has many interpretations of laws like Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Some courts think banning certain hair styles, like dreadlocks, is not direct racism. This has created a legal gap.9
Title VII and Federal Court Rulings
But, things have started to change with the CROWN Act. This law has been passed in some places. It protects hair texture and protective hairstyles under race.2
State and Local Court Decisions
The CROWN Act is gaining ground. Decisions in federal, state, and local courts will shape future laws. They are key to making strong shields against hair-based discrimination.9,10
Cultural and Historical Significance
Hair is a key symbol for many Black and brown people, showing their culture and who they are.5 Styles like braids and locs carry meanings of family, history, and their roots.2 There’s a long history of making people with these natural styles feel they don’t belong because they don’t fit traditional beauty standards. Systemic racism plays a big part in this, wanting to keep certain spaces white.11 Projects like the CROWN Act fight against this, saying all natural styles are beautiful. They help people feel proud of their culture without fear of being treated badly.
Hair as Identity and Expression
For many in Black and brown communities, hair is more than just looks.5 It connects them to their past and cultures, with styles like braids and locs being very meaningful.2 But in places that value only one type of beauty, this rich meaning often gets ignored. This can lead to people not being treated fairly or not feeling free to express themselves.
Challenging Eurocentric Beauty Standards
Traditional ideas of beauty have changed the way people think about hair in work and school.5 Black women’s hair, for example, is seen as less professional than white women’s hair.2 This makes many feel they have to change their hair to be accepted.11 But movements like the CROWN Act are working to change that. They support the natural beauty of all types of hair. This lets people proudly show their heritage without worrying about being treated differently or unfairly.
Conclusion
The CROWN Act is an important step against hair-based discrimination. It mostly affects Black and brown people, particularly Black women, at work and in school.2 It includes hair texture and protective styles in the definition of race. This change in the law fights against the racism in beauty standards.2
Many places are starting to support the CROWN Act, with 24 states already on board.5 But, we still need a law at the national level for everyone to be equally protected.2 Companies should also change their rules, support diversity, and welcome all types of natural hair.5
The CROWN Act stands for more than just hair. It’s a way to honor the value, identity, and traditions of Black and brown groups. It’s about making sure everyone has the chance to succeed without being discriminated against.2 The goal is to keep pushing for change so that natural hairstyles are accepted. This way, everyone can freely show who they are and not be blocked from reaching their goals by unfair practices.
FAQ
What is the CROWN Act?
The CROWN Act protects people from being treated unfairly for their hairstyles. It was started in 2019 by Dove and the CROWN Coalition. Then, State Senator Holly J. Mitchell of California helped make it a law. The act makes it wrong to be discriminated against at work or school because of how your hair looks.
What are the key provisions and protections of the CROWN Act?
This act stops unfair treatment based on hairstyles in jobs and schools. It says that being treated differently because of hair types or protective hairstyles is not okay. This includes hairstyles like braids, locs, and twists. By doing this, the act helps protect different ways that hair can look.
How prevalent is hair-based discrimination in the workplace and schools?
Sadly, it’s still happening a lot. It makes it harder for Black women to do well in their jobs. They might even be sent home because of their hair. In schools, some students have been in trouble for their hairstyles. For example, a high schooler in Texas was once suspended for having locs.
What are the consequences of hair-based discrimination?
This discrimination is a big problem. It can stop people from getting jobs or moving up at work. In schools, students might not get to do certain activities or even graduate. It also costs money and time to change your hair to meet certain standards.
Some products that help change your hair may not be safe. They could even cause serious health problems. So, the pressure to change how your hair looks is not just unfair. It can also be bad for your health.
How does the CROWN Act define and protect protective hairstyles?
The CROWN Act makes it clear. Protective hairstyles are now part of the law. This is really important. It stops rules that only let some people go to school or work. These rules have often been used to target Black people.
Why is federal CROWN Act legislation still needed?
Even though some places have started to protect against this type of discrimination, the whole country needs to. That’s because not all places agree on the current laws. The CROWN Act wants to make sure everyone is treated fairly, no matter where they live.
What should employers do to comply with the CROWN Act?
Employers need to check their rules and policies about hair. They should make sure these rules are fair for everyone. In places where the CROWN Act is law, they need to update their rules. Everyone at work should feel respected and free from worries about their hair.
What is the CROWN Coalition and what is their role in the CROWN Act movement?
The CROWN Coalition works hard to get the CROWN Act passed. It’s made up of Dove, the National Urban League, Color of Change, and the Western Center for Law & Poverty. They talk to governments at different levels to make sure everyone’s hair is protected, especially at work and in schools.
How have individuals shared their personal experiences with hair-based discrimination?
People have told their stories about facing discrimination because of their hair. CaSandra Glover, from Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families, said she felt pressure to change her hair to look more like her white coworkers. But she also worried about losing her true self.
Isaiah Bailey from the Topos Partnership talked about being afraid, but still keeping his hair in locs. He thinks a lot of people worry that having Black hair makes success at work harder.
How have federal and state/local courts interpreted hair-based discrimination?
Courts have had different views on this issue. Some say it’s not about race if you can’t have certain hairstyles at work or school. This makes things hard for people. But more places are starting to agree that everyone should be able to wear their hair how they like.
What is the cultural and historical significance of hair in the Black and brown communities?
For many Black and brown people, their hair is really important. It’s a way to show where they come from and their culture. But, often, they’re asked to change their hair to look more like white people. The CROWN Act is fighting against this. It says everyone’s hair is beautiful and should be respected.
Crown ACT Hairstyle Discrimination
California was the first state to implement the CROWN act. Are you properly protecting your business? Do you have the proper policies in place?
Read on for detailed information into what the CROWN ACT is and the historical context as to why it was created.
“Our hair is more than just a style. It shows where we come from, our strength, and who we are. So, stopping someone from wearing their hair how they want takes away their dignity and freedom. – Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley
The CROWN Act started in 2019 to stop hair discrimination. It was made by Dove, the CROWN Coalition, and Holly J. Mitchell, a State Senator in California. It protects people from being treated unfairly because of their hair, like braids, locs, twists, and knots. This is important in schools and at work.1 However, many Black women still face hair discrimination at work. This can make it hard for them to get jobs or move up in their careers.1 Dove and LinkedIn did a study in 2023 to show how hair discrimination affects Black women at work. Their findings underline the need for big changes.
Key Takeaways:
What is the CROWN Act?
The1 CROWN Act is a law from 2019. It was made by Dove and partners. Now, State Senator Holly J. Mitchell of California helped too. The law protects people from being treated unfairly because of their hair at work and school. It looks out for hairstyles like braids, locs, twists, and knots.2
Origins and Purpose
The CROWN Act started because hair discrimination is still a big issue. It especially affects Black women. They may not get jobs or move up in their careers because of their hair.
The law’s goal is to change this. It makes sure that rules about fairness include different hair textures and styles.1
Key Provisions and Protections
The CROWN Act stops unfair treatment because of hairstyles. It covers both work and school. This law adds hair textures and styles to the rules about not being racist.2
The Prevalence of Hair Discrimination
Race-based hair discrimination is a big issue, especially for Black women looking for jobs. They often face hurdles in the workplace because of their hair.3 For instance, Black women are more likely to be sent home because of their hair compared to white women. They also feel pressured to change their natural hair to fit in at work.3
Discrimination in the Workplace
Many studies show that hair discrimination is really about race. It hurts both economically and socially.3 For example, in 2016, a Black waitress lost her job for wearing her hair in a bun. Then, in 2019, a Black news anchor was fired for her natural hair, which the company called “shaggy and unkempt.”3 In 2021, another Black woman lost her sales job for choosing to wear her Afro hair instead of wigs.3
Discrimination in Schools
Even schools are no stranger to hair discrimination. For instance, a student in Texas was suspended for having locs, and twin sisters in Boston were punished for braids.3 The story of a young student named Joshua almost not walking at his graduation due to his dreadlocks sparked a huge petition.3 After lots of pressure, the school changed its rules on dreadlocks.3
Social media has been a big support for the CROWN Act. This act is all about making sure places welcome natural hairstyles. It pushes for laws that would punish those who are discriminatory.3
Consequences of Hair Discrimination
Professional and Educational Impact
Hair-based discrimination affects Black and brown people a lot. It hurts their chances at work and school. For work, if someone is discriminated against because of their natural or protective hairstyles, they might lose their job. They might also miss out on chances to move up or face being sent home.
More than 20% of Black women aged 25-34 have been sent home from work due to their hair. Black women with textured hair are also twice as likely to face small, harmful comments at work than those with straight hair.
This issue is not just at work. It’s in schools too. Students have faced punishments, suspensions, or been stopped from joining in fun activities or celebrating their graduation because of how they wear their hair.5 This kind of discrimination hurts Black people’s chances to learn or get good jobs.5
Economic and Health Implications
Pushing to look a certain way can also cost Black people a lot of money. Many Black women change their hair to look more like the standard. This means a lot of time and a big part of their budget goes to hair care. In 2022, Black people spent $2.3 billion on stuff for their hair. That was the biggest amount spent on beauty for many.
But it’s not just the cost. The products used to look a certain way can be bad news for health too. They have been known to mess with hormones and even raise cancer risk. These issues go beyond work and school, hurting the health of Black and brown folks.
crown act Hairstyle discrimination
The CROWN Act fights hair-based discrimination. It does this by making the law see hair as part of race. This includes hair texture and styles like braids and twists. It’s important because some schools and jobs banned these natural styles. This led to unfair treatment of Black children and adults.1
Defining Protective Hairstyles
Protective styles like braids and locs are now legally protected thanks to the CROWN Act. These styles are important to African and African American culture. They help people express their identity. The CROWN Act stands against the idea that only one type of beauty is right.
Expanding the Definition of Race
The CROWN Act is bold for seeing hair as part of race.5 In fact, a study from 2023 shows Black women’s hair is often labeled “unprofessional.”5 By changing the rules, the CROWN Act wants to stop hair discrimination in places like work and school.
The Need for Federal Legislation
Progress from laws like the CROWN Act in 24 states is good. But6 federal legislation is still crucial. Courts differ on if natural hairstyles discrimination is banned under current laws like Title VII. This law only looks at things that can’t change. The6 CROWN Act aims to fix this by adding hair texture and styles to the definition of race. This would give everyone clear protection from5 hair discrimination all over the U.S.
Varying State and Local Protections
In 2019, California made history by passing the CROWN Act first. Since then, 24 other states and the U.S. Virgin Islands followed.6 As of now, Texas is the most recent state to join.6 But, 20 more states and Washington, D.C., are considering it. While these steps forward are important, without federal support,5 more than 44% of Black women can still face hair-based prejudice.
Closing the Legal Loophole
The House approved the CROWN Act in 2019 and 2022, but it was stopped in the Senate.6 Senate Republicans didn’t let it pass in 2022. This shows why federal lawmakers need to act. They can fix the loophole that lets5 hair discrimination, mostly against Black women, go on. By clearly including hair in the definition of race, the CROWN Act would protect everyone fairly.
Employers and the CROWN Act
The CROWN Act movement is growing, and employers need to get ahead of it. They must make sure their workplaces are both free from bad hair policies and supportive. This means looking through employee handbooks and getting rid of rules that discriminate.5
Updating Policies and Procedures
Companies in CROWN Act states have to change their rules. Race now includes how your hair looks and different styles like braids. This move helps make the field fairer for all, no matter their natural hair.5
Promoting Diversity and Inclusion
Employers should also work to be more inclusive. They can do this by teaching their leaders to be culturally aware and kind. They need to make sure everyone knows the workplace should be free from any kind of bias.2
This effort shows they are serious about creating fair, safe spaces. It also helps keep their company away from any discrimination troubles.2
The CROWN Movement and Advocacy
The7 CROWN Coalition was set up by Dove, the National Urban League, Color of Change, and the Western Center for Law & Poverty. They lead the fight for the CROWN Act. It pushes lawmakers in states and cities to protect hair texture and protective styles at work and in schools. Thanks to their work, now 24 states and many cities have laws to shield people from hair-based discrimination. Even more places are looking to make these changes.7 Their aim is to pass a federal CROWN Act law. This would give everyone in the U.S. protection from being treated unfairly because of their hair.7
The CROWN Coalition
The CROWN Coalition is made up of groups like Dove, the National Urban League, and Color Of Change. They are all in for anti-discrimination laws.7 Lots of groups and people are also on board with The CROWN Act. This includes the NAACP, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, and the National Association of Colored Women’s Clubs. They work in different areas like social justice, business, and health.7
Efforts to Pass State and Local Laws
The first CROWN Act started in California7. It changed state laws to protect people with different hair types at work and in schools.7 Since then, many states have looked to do the same. New York, New Jersey, and Virginia are just a few working on laws inspired by The CROWN Act.7
Personal Stories and Experiences
Some individuals have faced discrimination because of their hair. This has happened while looking for jobs and in the workplace. For example, CaSandra Glover talked about her fight to fit in a “white-dominated” workplace. She was scared she might be seen as lesser because of her natural hair.8
Isaiah Bailey also shared a similar worry. He works at the Topos Partnership and spoke about how people often fear their natural hair might harm their career. He’s determined to keep his locs despite this.8
These stories show the ongoing struggles Black and brown individuals face in their careers. These issues are connected to hair-based discrimination.
Challenges for Job Candidates
Black women face more challenges because of their hair. They are 1.5 times more likely to be sent home from work. Plus, they’re 80% more likely than white women to feel they must change their hair to fit into the office.8
There’s a lot of pressure on them to look a certain way. This ideal is often linked to Eurocentric beauty, promoting straight hair. Such standards are deeply connected to racism and the wish to keep spaces white.8
During job searches, Black women with natural hair often receive negative reviews. This reveals underlying biases.8
Workplace Discrimination Accounts
Hair discrimination is largely about race. It causes severe social and economic harm to Black people who choose to keep their hair natural.8
Policies like dress codes can enforce these harmful standards. They play a role in white supremacy and other oppressive actions, like removing Black students from classes or adults from their jobs.8
In the workplace, real diversity and inclusion must focus on valuing everyone’s unique contributions. It should not be about following old, limiting standards.8
Legal Precedents and Court Cases
The legal world around hair discrimination is complex. It has many interpretations of laws like Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Some courts think banning certain hair styles, like dreadlocks, is not direct racism. This has created a legal gap.9
Title VII and Federal Court Rulings
But, things have started to change with the CROWN Act. This law has been passed in some places. It protects hair texture and protective hairstyles under race.2
State and Local Court Decisions
The CROWN Act is gaining ground. Decisions in federal, state, and local courts will shape future laws. They are key to making strong shields against hair-based discrimination.9,10
Cultural and Historical Significance
Hair is a key symbol for many Black and brown people, showing their culture and who they are.5 Styles like braids and locs carry meanings of family, history, and their roots.2 There’s a long history of making people with these natural styles feel they don’t belong because they don’t fit traditional beauty standards. Systemic racism plays a big part in this, wanting to keep certain spaces white.11 Projects like the CROWN Act fight against this, saying all natural styles are beautiful. They help people feel proud of their culture without fear of being treated badly.
Hair as Identity and Expression
For many in Black and brown communities, hair is more than just looks.5 It connects them to their past and cultures, with styles like braids and locs being very meaningful.2 But in places that value only one type of beauty, this rich meaning often gets ignored. This can lead to people not being treated fairly or not feeling free to express themselves.
Challenging Eurocentric Beauty Standards
Traditional ideas of beauty have changed the way people think about hair in work and school.5 Black women’s hair, for example, is seen as less professional than white women’s hair.2 This makes many feel they have to change their hair to be accepted.11 But movements like the CROWN Act are working to change that. They support the natural beauty of all types of hair. This lets people proudly show their heritage without worrying about being treated differently or unfairly.
Conclusion
The CROWN Act is an important step against hair-based discrimination. It mostly affects Black and brown people, particularly Black women, at work and in school.2 It includes hair texture and protective styles in the definition of race. This change in the law fights against the racism in beauty standards.2
Many places are starting to support the CROWN Act, with 24 states already on board.5 But, we still need a law at the national level for everyone to be equally protected.2 Companies should also change their rules, support diversity, and welcome all types of natural hair.5
The CROWN Act stands for more than just hair. It’s a way to honor the value, identity, and traditions of Black and brown groups. It’s about making sure everyone has the chance to succeed without being discriminated against.2 The goal is to keep pushing for change so that natural hairstyles are accepted. This way, everyone can freely show who they are and not be blocked from reaching their goals by unfair practices.
FAQ
What is the CROWN Act?
The CROWN Act protects people from being treated unfairly for their hairstyles. It was started in 2019 by Dove and the CROWN Coalition. Then, State Senator Holly J. Mitchell of California helped make it a law. The act makes it wrong to be discriminated against at work or school because of how your hair looks.
What are the key provisions and protections of the CROWN Act?
This act stops unfair treatment based on hairstyles in jobs and schools. It says that being treated differently because of hair types or protective hairstyles is not okay. This includes hairstyles like braids, locs, and twists. By doing this, the act helps protect different ways that hair can look.
How prevalent is hair-based discrimination in the workplace and schools?
Sadly, it’s still happening a lot. It makes it harder for Black women to do well in their jobs. They might even be sent home because of their hair. In schools, some students have been in trouble for their hairstyles. For example, a high schooler in Texas was once suspended for having locs.
What are the consequences of hair-based discrimination?
This discrimination is a big problem. It can stop people from getting jobs or moving up at work. In schools, students might not get to do certain activities or even graduate. It also costs money and time to change your hair to meet certain standards.
Some products that help change your hair may not be safe. They could even cause serious health problems. So, the pressure to change how your hair looks is not just unfair. It can also be bad for your health.
How does the CROWN Act define and protect protective hairstyles?
The CROWN Act makes it clear. Protective hairstyles are now part of the law. This is really important. It stops rules that only let some people go to school or work. These rules have often been used to target Black people.
Why is federal CROWN Act legislation still needed?
Even though some places have started to protect against this type of discrimination, the whole country needs to. That’s because not all places agree on the current laws. The CROWN Act wants to make sure everyone is treated fairly, no matter where they live.
What should employers do to comply with the CROWN Act?
Employers need to check their rules and policies about hair. They should make sure these rules are fair for everyone. In places where the CROWN Act is law, they need to update their rules. Everyone at work should feel respected and free from worries about their hair.
What is the CROWN Coalition and what is their role in the CROWN Act movement?
The CROWN Coalition works hard to get the CROWN Act passed. It’s made up of Dove, the National Urban League, Color of Change, and the Western Center for Law & Poverty. They talk to governments at different levels to make sure everyone’s hair is protected, especially at work and in schools.
How have individuals shared their personal experiences with hair-based discrimination?
People have told their stories about facing discrimination because of their hair. CaSandra Glover, from Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families, said she felt pressure to change her hair to look more like her white coworkers. But she also worried about losing her true self.
Isaiah Bailey from the Topos Partnership talked about being afraid, but still keeping his hair in locs. He thinks a lot of people worry that having Black hair makes success at work harder.
How have federal and state/local courts interpreted hair-based discrimination?
Courts have had different views on this issue. Some say it’s not about race if you can’t have certain hairstyles at work or school. This makes things hard for people. But more places are starting to agree that everyone should be able to wear their hair how they like.
What is the cultural and historical significance of hair in the Black and brown communities?
For many Black and brown people, their hair is really important. It’s a way to show where they come from and their culture. But, often, they’re asked to change their hair to look more like white people. The CROWN Act is fighting against this. It says everyone’s hair is beautiful and should be respected.
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