California Will Become the First U.S. State to Ban Discrimination of Natural Hair
The updating of the SB 188, which is the state’s anti-discrimination laws, was introduced by California State Senator Holly Mitchell and bans discrimination against natural hair in the workplace. According to Good Morning America, the bill was passed with a vote of 69-0 by the California state assembly. The bill was given the name the CROWN Act which stands for Create a Respectful and Open Workplace for Natural Hair.
California is going to be the first state in the United States to ban discrimination against natural hair. The bill states, ” Workplace dress code and grooming policies that prohibit natural hair, including afros, braids, twists, and locks, have a disparate impact on black individuals as these policies are more likely to deter black applicants and burden or punish black employees than any other group.”
Nobody should have to hide their natural hair because some people feel that it is unprofessional and should not be in the workplace. Natural hair and natural hairstyles are beautiful. According to the bill, even though American society and laws have made strides to reverse the racist ideology that black traits are inferior, hair still remains a source of racial discrimination. This bill is taking steps in the right direction and is creating more equality in the workplace. We can only hope that other states follow California’s example.
