Activism: How You Can Support The CROWN Act to End Hair Discrimination

Race-based hair discrimination is a real and devastating experience for millions of Black women, men, and children in this country. According to a 2019 study, Black women are one and a half times more likely to be sent home from the workplace because of their hair. Research released in August found that Black women with locs, twists, or braids were deemed less professional and were less likely to land job interviews. The impact of hair discrimination has lingering socioeconomic effects, and it's another thread in the fabric of systemic racism that cannot be ignored or dismissed.

Discrimination is happening in schools too. Children are being "penalized" for their natural and protective hairstyles, while some young men have been forced to cut their hair to participate in sports. The U.S. military didn't even ease restrictions on natural hairstyles until just three years ago. The national fight to end hair discrimination is ongoing, and it's being championed by The CROWN Act and CROWN Coalition.

Passed already in seven states, The CROWN Act stands for Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair and aims to end race-based hair discrimination. On September 21, the House of Representatives passed the federal CROWN bill introduced by Representatives Cedric Richmond, Barbara Lee, Marcia Fudge, and Ayanna Pressley. If approved by the Senate and signed by President Donald Trump, it would mean race-based hair discrimination would be illegal in every state, including the majority of states that have not yet passed their own version of the act. You as a citizen hold the power to get The CROWN Act passed both in your state and by the Senate by simply reaching out to your legislators.

So, how do you get started advocating for the bill? We've made it easy for you. Follow the steps below, starting with signing The CROWN Act petition. Then, contact your senators, state representatives, and governor using the provided email template. Finally, take to social media and let the world know that you stand against hair discrimination.

Sign the Petition

There's power in numbers, and more than 200,000 people have signed The CROWN Act's digital petition. Signing takes just a few seconds, and be sure to spread the word once you've pledged your name.

Written By  JENNA ROSENSTEIN for Harpers Bazaar