CROWN Act: Battling Hair Discrimination in Schools and Workplaces
By Your Name, Staff Writer
Introduction
A monthslong legal battle between a Texas high school student and his school district over the length of his locs hairstyle has sparked renewed debate and calls to pass a national CROWN Act. The purpose of this legislation is to protect individuals from race-based hair discrimination, particularly in employment and educational settings. This article delves into the significance of the CROWN Act, its historical context, the push for federal legislation, and the ongoing legal battle in Texas.
Understanding the CROWN Act
The CROWN Act, which stands for “Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair,” aims to address hair discrimination faced by Black Americans. This discrimination has historical roots dating back to the era of slavery and persists in modern society. Protective hairstyles like locs, braids, and Bantu knots, often worn by Black individuals to maintain hair health and prevent damage, have been unfairly stigmatized and associated with negative stereotypes.
Historical Context and Challenges
Hair discrimination can be traced back to slavery when Black individuals’ natural hair was misunderstood and denigrated. Even after the abolition of slavery, discriminatory practices and policies continued. For instance, Louisiana enacted the Tignon laws in 1786, requiring Black women to cover their heads in cloth. Today, discrimination primarily manifests through professional and educational dress codes influenced by European beauty standards, which often disregard diverse hair textures and styles.
The Fight for Federal Legislation
Advocates, including the CROWN Coalition and organizations like Dove, National Urban League, and Color of Change, have championed the need for federal legislation to combat hair discrimination. The CROWN Act gained momentum at the state level, with more than 20 states enacting their own laws to combat race-based hair discrimination. However, the push for a national law has faced obstacles, leading to legal battles and the need for continued advocacy.
The Texas Legal Battle
Texas became the latest battleground for the CROWN Act when a high school student, Darryl George, faced suspension due to the length of his locs violating the school’s dress code. George’s family argues that his hairstyle is within the dress code guidelines, and they have filed a federal civil rights lawsuit against the school officials and state leaders. The legal conflict in Texas highlights the urgency for comprehensive national legislation to protect students and individuals from hair discrimination.
Conclusion
Hair discrimination, particularly against Black Americans and their protective hairstyles, persists in schools and workplaces. The CROWN Act and state-level legislation have made significant strides in combating hair discrimination, but the lack of comprehensive federal legislation highlights the need for continued advocacy. Everyone deserves equal opportunities, regardless of their hair texture or style. The Texas legal battle serves as a reminder of the importance of nationwide protection against hair discrimination.
Sources:
- CNN: The brief history of headscarves and how they became an empowerment tool
- CNN: House passes CROWN Act
- Congressional Black Caucus: Letter advocating for Senate action on CROWN Act
- White House: Statement of Administration Policy on H.R. 2116
- Economic Policy Institute: State-by-State Summary of CROWN Act
- CNN: Black wrestler’s forced haircut sparks outrage
- NYC Human Rights: Legal enforcement guidance on hair
- Office of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo: Governor Cuomo Signs S.6209A/A.7797A
- California Legislative Information: Senate Bill No. 188
