Democratic lawmakers have reintroduced legislation in Congress that aims to ban discrimination based on a person's hairstyle or hair texture. The bill, known as the CROWN Act of 2024, was introduced by New Jersey Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman in the US House of Representatives. The legislation, officially named HR 8191, currently has 84 co-sponsors.
If enacted, the CROWN Act would protect individuals with hairstyles commonly associated with race or national origin, such as tightly coiled or curled hair, locs, cornrows, twists, braids, Bantu knots, and Afros, from discrimination. The proposed law would prohibit discrimination in federally assisted programs, housing programs, employment, schools, and public accommodations based on a person's hair.
During a news conference, Watson Coleman emphasized the importance of embracing diversity in American society and highlighted that discrimination against Black hair is discrimination against Black people. The bill faces challenges in securing bipartisan support in a Republican-controlled House, with Watson Coleman urging GOP leadership to bring the legislation up for a vote.
New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker and Republican Sen. Susan Collins of Maine have co-sponsored the companion bill in the Senate, emphasizing that the issue is one of justice and fairness. The Biden administration has expressed strong support for the federal CROWN Act and looks forward to working with Congress to enact the legislation.
Efforts to pass federal legislation to prevent hair discrimination have been ongoing, with previous attempts stalling in Congress. While some states have enacted their own CROWN Act laws, the push for federal legislation is supported by various advocacy groups, including Dove, National Urban League, Color of Change, and the Western Center on Law & Poverty.
Adjoa B. Asamoah, lead legislative strategist and co-founder of the CROWN Coalition, highlighted the need to address race-based hair discrimination and dismantle Eurocentric beauty standards. Despite past setbacks, advocates continue to push for federal action to combat hair discrimination and promote inclusivity.
