Pass the Crown Act Now
End racist hair discrimination
--
In 2023, LinkedIn and Dove commissioned a workplace research study to examine if and how discrimination over hairstyles adversely impacts Black women. While not surprising to most Black people, the study revealed that Black women’s hair is two and a half times more likely to be perceived as unprofessional, that approximately two-thirds of Black women change their hair for job interviews, typically from curly to straight, that Black women with textured hair are twice as likely to experience microaggressions in the workplace than Black women with straighter hair, that over twenty percent of Black women ages 25–34 have been sent home from work because of their hair. Furthermore, nearly half of Black women under age 34 feel pressured to have a workplace headshot with straight hair, and a quarter of Black women believe they have been denied a job interview because of their hair.
This study exposes a sad reality and illuminates the experiences of Black women in the workplace. Nearly twenty states enacted versions of called the CROWN Act. The CROWN Act, which stands for Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair, prohibits racial discrimination based on hair texture and protective hairstyles. It’s intended to end negative consequences for the many Black women, particularly those who wear Bantu knots, twists, and braided hairstyles. Unfortunately, many the majority of states have no protections for hair discrimination.
The federal bill would prohibit discrimination based on a person’s hair texture or hairstyle if that style or texture is commonly associated with a particular race or national origin. The proposed bill is intended to ensure people have equal rights under the law and are not subjected to racist, discriminatory practices based on their hair texture, style, or appearance. The bill passed the House of Representatives but not the Senate. However, if and when it does pass, it will mean a new day for Black women and women of color.
Hair discrimination unfairly penalizes Black women’s employment and advancement opportunities. If we ever hope to live in a nation that judges people on the content of their character, the Crown Act must be passed.
