Hair is more than just a physical characteristic; it is a vital part of cultural identity and personal expression.

For many Black Americans, natural hairstyles such as braids, locs, and afros are integral to their heritage. Yet, these hairstyles have often been stigmatized, leading to discrimination in workplaces and schools.

The CROWN Act (Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair) seeks to address this injustice by prohibiting race-based hair discrimination.

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The CROWN Act prohibits race-based hair discrimination.

Understanding the CROWN Act

The CROWN Act, initiated in 2019, aims to eliminate discrimination against individuals who wear natural hairstyles historically associated with their race. This includes braids, locs, twists, and bantu knots, among others.

The Act clarifies that such hairstyles should not be grounds for denying employment or educational opportunities. Black women, in particular, have long faced pressure to conform to Eurocentric beauty standards, often resorting to chemical treatments that can have detrimental health effects.

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Black individuals often face bias for wearing natural hairstyles.

The Importance of the CROWN Act

The Act is crucial in addressing systemic racism embedded in grooming policies. Such policies have historically been used to marginalize Black individuals, particularly women, by labeling natural hair as "unprofessional." Research indicates that Black women's hair is 2.5 times more likely to be perceived as unprofessional compared to their white counterparts, reports the Economic Policy Institute.

This perception has real consequences, with many Black women altering their natural hair for job interviews or facing microaggressions and disciplinary actions in the workplace.

Health and Economic Implications

The pressure to conform to Eurocentric hair standards has significant health and economic impacts. Black women frequently use chemical relaxers and other treatments to straighten their hair, which have been linked to serious health issues, including cancer, reports the National Association of Chronic Disease Directors. Moreover, the financial burden of maintaining straightened hair can be substantial, with costs ranging from $38 to $435 per session. The CROWN Act aims to alleviate these pressures by ensuring that individuals are free to wear their natural hair without fear of discrimination.

Legal Protections and Progress

As of 2023, 24 states and numerous localities have enacted versions of the CROWN Act. According to the NAACP, these laws extend statutory protection to hairstyles associated with race, ensuring that individuals cannot be discriminated against based on their hair in employment, housing, education, and public accommodations.

California was the first state to pass the law in 2019, followed by others like New York, New Jersey, and Colorado. At the federal level, the CROWN Act passed the House of Representatives in 2022 but has yet to be enacted into law by the Senate.

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The CROWN Act promotes equality and cultural expression.

Real-Life Impacts

The impact of hair discrimination is deeply personal and far-reaching. Stories abound of individuals who have been marginalized because of their natural hair. For instance, Chastity Jones, a Black woman in Alabama, had a job offer rescinded when she refused to cut her locs, reports the EPI. Such incidents underscore the importance of the CROWN Act in protecting individuals' rights to express their cultural identity.

Ongoing Advocacy and Future Steps

Advocates continue to push for broader adoption of the CROWN Act. Their efforts aim to ensure that all states adopt the CROWN Act and that federal legislation is passed to provide uniform protections across the country.

The fight against hair discrimination is part of a larger struggle for racial justice and equality. By protecting natural hairstyles, the CROWN Act helps to dismantle one aspect of systemic racism, promoting a more inclusive and respectful society. As more states consider adopting this legislation, the hope is that all individuals will be free to wear their natural hair with pride, without fear of discrimination or reprisal.

The CROWN Act represents a critical step towards ending race-based hair discrimination. By addressing the deep-rooted biases that affect Black individuals' personal and professional lives, the Act promotes equality and respect for cultural expression. Continued advocacy and legislative action are essential to ensure that everyone can embrace their natural hair without prejudice. Click below and help us advocate for this important legislation!