The House of Representatives has finally taken a step forward by recognizing that there is a degree of discrimination in the country against those who wear Afro hair, braided or with dreadlocks.
People of black roots many times the doors to employment and education are closed simply and simply because of their appearance. And it goes without saying when they are searched in the street by the forces of order that apply racial profiling as “institutional policy”.
That is why the recent approval in the Lower House of the law is very important “CROWN” which stands for “Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair”
This measure sends a clear message against those who think it is unprofessional to show the hair as it is. No one needs to feel slighted for having this or any type of hair. On the contrary, everyone should feel proud of their roots,
The initiative was promoted by a group of congressmen of color who understand the problem, however -as expected- conservative Republicans opposed to the same. It was approved a few days ago by 235 legislators (all Democrats and 14 Republicans), while 189 Conservatives voted against. This reflects the extreme positions on Capitol Hill when it comes to discussing racial issues.
As far-fetched as it sounds, this is serious business. According to a study by the JOY Collective, people of color are disproportionately weighed by policies and practices in public places, including the workplace, that focus on their appearance. 80 percent of black women surveyed indicated that they felt they had to change their hair from its natural state to “fit in at the office” and that they had a 83 percent more likely to be judged harshly for their appearance.
The CROWN law explicitly prohibits discrimination based on hair texture or hairstyles commonly associated with race or origin.
Although several states and dozens of cities have already taken the lead with approval of similar laws, there needs to be strong federal legislation in this regard.
Hopefully the Senate will do the same to have a national guideline.
We must put a stop to these racial prejudices that are only detrimental to civil rights. At a time when the country is experiencing deep division, anti-discrimination laws that promote tolerance are needed.