CROWN Act Reintroduction to Ban Hair Discrimination

SOURCE www.npr.org
The CROWN Act is being reintroduced by Democratic lawmakers to ban discrimination based on hairstyle or hair texture. Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed the legislation into law, which aims to end race-based hair discrimination in schools and workplaces for Black Americans and other communities of color.

Key Points

  • CROWN Act aims to prohibit discrimination based on hairstyle or hair texture associated with race or national origin
  • California was the first state to sign the act into law in 2019
  • The legislation has faced opposition from Senate Republicans in the past

Pros

  • Addresses race-based hair discrimination in schools and workplaces
  • Supports natural hair and protective styles for Black Americans and communities of color

Cons

  • Previous versions of the bill were blocked in the Senate
  • Senate Republicans have historically opposed the legislation