California is set to become the first state to ban discrimination against natural hair styles 

California is set to become the first state to ban discrimination against black people’s natural hair styles

  • Bill protecting natural hair passed California’s state legislature on Thursday 
  • Would ban workplace discrimination against black people for natural hair
  • Natural hair styles include afros, braids, twists and dreadlocks  

California is poised to become the first state to pass a law banning workplace discrimination against black people for wearing natural hair styles. 

The bill dubbed the CROWN Act (Create a Respectful and Open Workplace for Natural Hair) passed California’s Assembly on Thursday with a vote of 69-0.

The bill previously passed California’s state Senate in April, and now awaits signature from Governor Gavin Newsom, a Democrat.

The new law would prohibit employers from firing or punishing employees for wearing ‘protective hairstyles’ such as ‘braids, locks, and twists.’ 

California is poised to become the first state to pass a law banning workplace discrimination against black people for wearing natural hair styles

‘Hair remains a rampant source of racial discrimination with serious economic and health consequences, especially for black individuals,’ the bill states.  

‘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 states. 

In February, New York City issued a new policy with similar intent.

In February, New York City issued a new policy with similar intent

In February, New York City issued a new policy with similar intent

In that case the New York City Commission on Human Rights issued the new legal guidance for employers and public places like libraries, gyms, schools and nightclubs. 

‘Policies that limit the ability to wear natural hair or hairstyles associated with Black people aren’t about ‘neatness’ or ‘professionalism;’ they are about limiting the way Black people move through workplaces, public spaces and other settings,’ NYC Human Rights Commissioner and Chair Carmelyn P. Malalis said in a statement at the time.

 

Read more at DailyMail.co.uk