California Passes Hair Bill

Got braids? California legislators have passed a bill that would protect students and employees from discrimination based on natural hairstyles, poising the state to become the first in the country to end race-based discrimination based on hairstyle.
 
The bill, which passed in the California Assembly 69-0 on June 27, amends state anti-discrimination law to “also include traits historically associated with race” including “hair texture and protective hairstyles.” The California Senate passed the bill in April, and it now goes to Gov. Gavin Newsom, who is expected to sign the bill into law.
 
The Creating a Respectful and Open Workplace for Natural hair (CROWN) Act ensures protection against discrimination in the workplace based on hairstyles by prohibiting employers from enforcing purportedly “race neutral” grooming policies that disproportionately impact persons of color. To date, there is no legal precedent in state or federal court to protect individuals against hair discrimination.
 
“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,” the bill reads.
 
The CROWN Coalition plans to pursue similar legislation in other states. For more information on SB 188 “The CROWN Act” click here and click here to see the legislation.