Texas Student’s Battle Over Locs Hairstyle Renews Calls for National CROWN Act
In a monthslong legal battle between a Texas high school student and his school district over the length of his locs hairstyle, calls for a national CROWN Act have been reignited. The CROWN Act and similar laws aim to protect individuals from race-based hair discrimination by making it illegal to deny employment and educational opportunities based on natural hair texture and protective hairstyles.
The CROWN Act, which stands for “Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair,” has been championed by natural hair advocates who argue that Black Americans have faced discrimination in the workplace and in schools because of their hair. These laws generally prohibit discrimination based on hairstyles that are commonly associated with a particular race or culture, including Black hairstyles like locs, braids, or Bantu knots.
Protective hairstyles like locs are not only a form of self-expression but also serve to maintain the health of the hair by tucking strands to prevent stress and breakage. Additionally, these styles protect the hair from excessive heat damage caused by styling tools like flat irons.
The issue of hair discrimination has a long history, dating back to slavery. Adjoa B. Asamoah, the lead legislative strategist and co-creator of the CROWN Coalition, highlights the cultural significance of hair care for Black people, describing it as an integral part of their identity, family, community, and pride. Throughout history, Black people, especially women, have faced discrimination and stereotypes regarding their hair. Asamoah points out that hair discrimination is most commonly observed in professional and educational settings, where policies often favor Eurocentric beauty standards.
Efforts to pass a national CROWN Act have faced obstacles. In March 2022, the then-Democratic controlled House advanced a national CROWN Act legislation, but it later stalled in the Senate. Members of the Congressional Black Caucus have urged Senate leadership to take action, but Congress has yet to revisit the legislation. However, the Biden administration has expressed strong support for the CROWN Act and is committed to working with Congress to enact and implement the legislation effectively.
While national efforts have stalled, the movement for hair discrimination protection has gained momentum at the state level. Several states have enacted their own legislation to combat race-based discrimination against hair texture and protective hairstyles. New York City and California were among the first to implement such laws, and as of July 2023, over 20 states have followed suit.
In Texas, a battleground for this issue, a version of the CROWN Act went into effect on September 1, 2023. However, it was quickly put to the test when Darryl George, a high school student in the Houston area, was suspended because the length of his locs violated the school’s dress code. George and his family argue that his hairstyle does not violate the dress code and have filed a federal civil rights lawsuit against school officials and Texas state leaders, including Governor Greg Abbott. The school district has also filed a lawsuit seeking clarification from a Texas judge regarding the dress code’s compliance with the state law.
The battle between George and his school district underscores the need for a national law. Adjoa B. Asamoah emphasizes that a child’s education should not be impacted by their hair and that no child should miss school due to hair-related discrimination.
As efforts for a national CROWN Act continue to face challenges, it is clear that change is happening at the state level. Advocates are determined to protect individuals from hair discrimination and ensure equal opportunities for all, regardless of their natural hair texture or protective hairstyles. The fight for inclusivity and respect for diverse hair types and styles is far from over, but with each step taken, progress is being made towards a more inclusive and accepting society.
