The US House of Representatives Passes Bill to Ban Discrimination that Stems from Race-Based Hairstyles

The United States House of Representatives this week passed a bill that would ban discrimination that stems from race-based hairstyles.

Originally introduced as the CROWN Act of 2019 or Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair Act of 2019 this bill “prohibits discrimination based on a person's hair texture or hairstyle if that style or texture is commonly associated with a particular race or national origin.”

It is the first legislation passed at the state level in the United States to prohibit such discrimination. The CROWN Act, which was drafted and sponsored by State Senator Holly Mitchell, was passed unanimously in both chambers of the California Legislature by June 27, 2019, and was signed into law on July 3, 2019.

Seven states have already adopted laws prohibiting race-based hair discrimination.

If it is passed by the Senate, natural hair discrimination could be deemed illegal nationwide.

The bill stipulates that a person shall have equal rights and shall not be subjected to prohibited practices based on their hair texture or style.

Specifically, the bill prohibits this type of discrimination against those participating in federally assisted programs, housing programs, public accommodations, and employment.