A recent study by Dove reveals that one in five black women in the U.S. workforce has been sent home because of their hair. This issue of hair discrimination is now being addressed by Pennsylvania lawmakers through the proposed CROWN Act.
Today, numerous representatives, business leaders, and community members gathered at the Capitol in Harrisburg to advocate for the bill. The CROWN Act, which stands for Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair, seeks to ban hair discrimination in workplaces and schools.
Similar laws have already been enacted in over 20 states. The legislation prohibits organizations from banning protected hairstyles, including braids, locs, extensions, Bantu knots, and Afros. These hairstyles are often labeled unprofessional or untidy by some workplaces, and student athletes have been forced to cut their hair without any explanation from coaches.
Tracey McCants Lewis, Chief People Officer for the Pittsburgh Penguins, emphasized that changes in legislation must be accompanied by businesses embracing diversity. She highlighted the need for hockey organizations to ensure helmet safety for children with braids, citing a camp hosted by the Penguins on Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
The CROWN Act passed the Pennsylvania House last July with overwhelming bipartisan support (182-21). Today’s press conference urged the Senate to bring the bill to a vote.
