Friday the House of Representatives passed the CROWN Act (Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair) which bans discrimination based on hairstyles and textures.
First introduced by Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman, the legislation prohibits hair discrimination “if that hair texture or that hairstyle is commonly associated with a particular race or national origin.”
The act, which passed in a 235-189 vote states, “routinely, people of African descent are deprived of educational and employment opportunities” for wearing their hair in natural or protective hairstyles such as locs, cornrows, twists, braids, Bantu knots, or Afros.”
With this new passing, the bill now goes to the Senate.
“Natural Black hair is often deemed ‘unprofessional’ simply because it does not conform to white beauty standards,” Watson Coleman said in a statement. “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.”
