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- Congress has reintroduced the Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair (CROWN) Act to ban hair discrimination.
- The bill aims to protect hairstyles associated with African American and African descent, such as Afros, braids, and dreadlocks.
- Despite previous attempts, the bill has yet to become federal law, having been blocked by the Senate in 2019 and 2022.
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Quick Brief
2-Minute Digest
Essential Context
The CROWN Act, reintroduced by Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman and Sen. Cory Booker, seeks to prohibit discrimination based on hair texture or style, particularly targeting biases against hairstyles commonly worn by people of African descent.
Core Players
- Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman – Lead sponsor in the House of Representatives
- Sen. Cory Booker – Lead sponsor in the Senate
- Rep. Ayanna Pressley, Rep. Ilhan Omar, Rep. Maxwell Frost – Co-sponsors of the bill
- The CROWN Act Coalition – Advocacy group supporting the legislation
Key Numbers
- 24 states – Have already enacted the CROWN Act or similar legislation.
- 2.5 times – Black women are more likely to say their hair is perceived as “unprofessional” compared to other women.
- 67% – Percentage of Black women who feel compelled to change their hair for job interviews.
- 1 in 5 – Black women aged 25-34 who have been sent home from work due to their hair.
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The Catalyst
The reintroduction of the CROWN Act is a response to ongoing issues of hair discrimination in schools and workplaces. This discrimination is rooted in historical and contemporary biases against hairstyles associated with African Americans.
“Discrimination against Black hair is discrimination against Black people. And we’re going to put a stop to it,” said Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman.
Inside Forces
The bill has faced significant challenges in the past, with the Senate blocking it in both 2019 and 2022. However, this time, there is bipartisan support in the Senate, which could improve its chances of passage.
Lawmakers face the challenge of securing GOP leadership support to bring the bill up for a vote in the House.
Power Dynamics
The CROWN Act has garnered support from various advocacy groups and some lawmakers across party lines. The Biden administration has also endorsed the legislation, emphasizing its importance in advancing equal opportunity for all Americans.
Opponents argue that existing laws, such as Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, already protect against race-based discrimination, but proponents argue that specific protections for hair texture and style are necessary.
Outside Impact
If passed, the CROWN Act would have broad implications for workplaces and schools, promoting a more inclusive environment. It would also align with the growing number of states and local areas that have already enacted similar laws.
The legislation could also influence corporate policies, as companies like airlines have already begun to remove discriminatory appearance standards related to hair.
Future Forces
The success of the CROWN Act could pave the way for further legislation addressing other forms of discrimination. It may also encourage more states to adopt similar laws, creating a more uniform national standard.
Key areas to watch include the enforcement mechanisms and the impact on educational and employment opportunities for individuals who have faced hair discrimination.
Data Points
- 2019: The CROWN Act was first introduced in Congress.
- 2022: The House passed the CROWN Act, but it was blocked by the Senate.
- 2024: The bill was reintroduced in both the House and Senate.
- 2025: The latest reintroduction of the CROWN Act with bipartisan support in the Senate.
The ongoing effort to pass the CROWN Act reflects a broader movement towards greater inclusivity and equality. As the bill navigates through Congress, its outcome will have significant implications for how workplaces and schools approach hair discrimination, setting a precedent for future anti-discrimination legislation.
