The CROWN Act, which stands for “Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair,” is a law that prohibits race-based hair discrimination, which is the denial of employment and educational opportunities because of hair texture or protective hairstyles including braids, locs, twists or bantu knots.
The CROWN Act was created in 2019 by Dove and the CROWN Coalition, in partnership with then State Senator Holly J. Mitchell of California, to ensure protection against discrimination based on race-based hairstyles by extending statutory protection to hair texture and protective styles such as braids, locs, twists, and knots in the workplace and public schools.
Source: The Crown Act, 2021
Why am I advocating for this legislation?
As an African American woman professional and educator, I cannot adequately quantify how many times my students and I have had to contend with discriminatory dress code policies with respect to our hair. Over the past decade, the reports of incidents involving Black girls being removed from the educational environment, excluded from advancement opportunities, and restricted access to social activities due to their hair has increased. Thanks to the tireless work of California Senator Holly J. Mitchell and other members of the CROWN Coalition, necessary social change is occurring across the country with thirteen states passing and enacting this anti-discriminatory legislation. With 37 states left to go, I ask that you join us in establishing a better and just society for Black women and girls.