Which states passed the Crown Act?
The Crown Act, also known as the CROWN (Creating a Respectful and Open Workplace for Natural Hair) Act, is a piece of legislation aimed at protecting individuals from discrimination based on their natural hair. The act was introduced to address the issue of systemic racism and discrimination against Black individuals, particularly women, who often face bias and prejudice due to their natural hair texture. This article will explore which states have passed the Crown Act and the impact it has had on combating discrimination in the workplace.
California: The First State to Pass the Crown Act
California was the first state to pass the Crown Act in 2019. The legislation was sponsored by Senator Holly J. Mitchell and Assemblymember Shirley N. Weber. The act prohibits discrimination based on hair texture, including natural hairstyles such as braids, locks, and afros. The California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH) was tasked with enforcing the act, which has since become a model for other states looking to address similar issues.
New York: A Landmark Victory for Natural Hair Rights
Following California, New York became the second state to pass the Crown Act in 2020. Sponsored by Senator Jamaal T. Bowman and Assemblymember Nick Perry, the legislation was signed into law by Governor Andrew Cuomo. The act applies to all employers in New York and prohibits discrimination based on natural hair, including braids, locks, and afros. This landmark victory was celebrated as a significant step towards eradicating discrimination against Black individuals in the workplace.
Other States That Have Passed the Crown Act
Several other states have also passed the Crown Act, including:
– New Jersey (2020)
– New Mexico (2020)
– Virginia (2020)
– Maryland (2020)
– New York City (2020)
– Washington, D.C. (2020)
These states have joined California and New York in taking a stand against discrimination based on natural hair, demonstrating a growing awareness of the issue and a commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
The Impact of the Crown Act
The passage of the Crown Act has had a significant impact on the fight against discrimination based on natural hair. By legally protecting individuals from bias and prejudice, the act has helped to create a more inclusive and respectful work environment. It has also raised awareness about the issue of hair discrimination and sparked conversations about systemic racism and the need for change.
The Crown Act has also prompted employers to reevaluate their policies and practices regarding natural hair, ensuring that they are not inadvertently discriminatory. This has led to a greater acceptance and celebration of diverse hairstyles and has helped to break down barriers that have historically marginalized Black individuals.
Conclusion
The Crown Act has become a powerful tool in the fight against discrimination based on natural hair. With more states passing the legislation, it is clear that the movement to promote diversity and inclusion in the workplace is gaining momentum. As more individuals and organizations recognize the importance of embracing natural hair, the hope is that the Crown Act will continue to make a lasting impact on the fight for equality and respect.
