Stand Against Hair Racism — Support the CROWN Act
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Sponsor: The Hunger Site
Imagine being denied a job or sent home from school just for your natural hair. Sign the petition to support the CROWN Act and protect Black hair rights!
In America today, many Black individuals face systemic racism not just in their daily lives but in the way they choose to wear their hair. Natural hairstyles such as braids, locs, twists, and afros are deeply rooted in cultural heritage and personal identity. Yet, these styles have been stigmatized and discriminated against, leading to unjust consequences in workplaces and schools.
The CROWN Act (Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair) aims to eliminate race-based hair discrimination. This legislation is crucial for protecting the rights of Black Americans to wear their natural hair without facing prejudice or bias. The Act explicitly prohibits discrimination based on hair texture or style, ensuring that everyone can express their cultural identity freely and confidently1.
Despite the progress made, hair discrimination remains a significant issue. Research shows that Black women's hair is 2.5 times more likely to be perceived as unprofessional compared to white women's hair2. This perception has real-world consequences, often leading to Black individuals being overlooked for job opportunities, facing disciplinary actions, or being sent home from school3.
Passing the CROWN Act nationwide is vital to address these injustices. The Act not only protects against explicit discrimination but also challenges the implicit biases that perpetuate systemic racism. By expanding the definition of race to include hair texture and protective hairstyles, the CROWN Act closes loopholes that have allowed discriminatory practices to continue4.
Personal stories highlight the profound impact of hair discrimination. Chastity Jones, a Black woman from Alabama, had a job offer rescinded because she refused to cut her locs2. Such instances are not isolated; they reflect a broader issue that affects countless individuals across the country. The pressure to conform to Eurocentric beauty standards not only undermines cultural identity but also poses health risks due to the frequent use of chemical hair treatments3.
Currently, 24 states have enacted versions of the CROWN Act, but federal legislation is necessary to ensure these protections are universal4. The U.S. House of Representatives passed the CROWN Act in 2022, but it still awaits approval in the Senate5. By supporting this Act, we can create a more inclusive and equitable society where everyone is free to express their natural beauty without fear of discrimination.
The CROWN Act fosters a more respectful and open world for natural hair. It promotes equality and justice, addressing a critical aspect of systemic racism that affects the daily lives of many Black Americans. This legislation is a step toward dismantling the biases and prejudices that have long marginalized people based on their appearance.
We need your support to make the CROWN Act a reality nationwide. By signing our petition, you can help ensure that all Americans are protected from hair discrimination, allowing them to embrace their natural hair with pride and confidence.
- Westlaw (2024), "[The CROWN Act: Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair](https://content.next.westlaw.com/practical-law/document/I2f59b3fee01e11ebbea4f0dc9fb69570/The-CROWN-Act-Creating-a-Respectful-and-Open-World-for-Natural-Hair-State-and-Local-Laws-Chart? viewType=FullText&transitionType=Default&contextData=(sc.Default))."
- Jasmine Payne-Patterson, Economic Policy Institute (26 July 2023), "The CROWN Act: A Jewel for Combating Racial Discrimination in the Workplace and Classroom."
- Robyn Taylor, Chronic Disease Coalition, "Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair."
- NAACP (2022), "The CROWN Act: Creating a Respectful and Open Workplace for Natural Hair."
- Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman, Congress.gov (19 March 2021), "H.R.2116 - Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair Act of 2022."
The Petition:
Dear Members of the U.S. Senate,
We, the undersigned, urge you to pass the CROWN Act (Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair) to prohibit race-based hair discrimination. This critical legislation addresses a pervasive issue affecting Black Americans who face unfair treatment and discrimination due to their natural hair textures and styles, including braids, locs, twists, and afros.
Hair discrimination is a form of systemic racism that impacts individuals in various aspects of their lives, from employment and education to personal dignity. Black individuals, particularly women, often face pressure to conform to Eurocentric beauty standards, leading to detrimental health effects from chemical hair treatments and significant economic burdens. By passing the CROWN Act, we can protect the cultural expression and identity of millions of Americans, ensuring that no one is forced to choose between their heritage and their livelihood.
The positive impact of the CROWN Act extends beyond individual freedoms. It fosters a more inclusive and respectful society, where diversity is celebrated rather than penalized. This legislation promotes equality in the workplace and educational institutions, helping to dismantle long-standing biases and prejudices.
By supporting the CROWN Act, the U.S. Senate can take a significant step toward ending hair discrimination and affirming the rights of all citizens to express their natural beauty without fear of repercussion. These actions will pave the way for a better, more equitable future for everyone.
We respectfully request your support for the CROWN Act to create a more just and inclusive America.
Sincerely,
