The so-called CROWN Act, which stands for Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair, adds a definition of race that is inclusive of natural hairstyles and textures to the Minnesota Human Rights Act. It's an effort to break down barriers that Black Minnesotans face at work, school and other public spaces for wearing hairstyles such as braids, locs and twists.
The bill "will clearly define that no one should be prevented from a job or an education because of the way that their hair naturally grows from their head," said Rep. Esther Agbaje, DFL-Minneapolis, its chief House sponsor.
Agbaje, who is Black, said at a Feb. 3 committee hearing that she straightened her hair for most of her life "because of a fear of losing a job or not being able to be taken as seriously."
"We know that racial discrimination is not always overt, and this bill ensures that discrimination based on biases or stereotypes is stopped or held accountable," Agbaje said Monday.
"While natural hair and protective hairstyles are often most associated with people of African descent, the law does protect everyone from having their human rights violated."
www.startribune.com
The bill "will clearly define that no one should be prevented from a job or an education because of the way that their hair naturally grows from their head," said Rep. Esther Agbaje, DFL-Minneapolis, its chief House sponsor.
Agbaje, who is Black, said at a Feb. 3 committee hearing that she straightened her hair for most of her life "because of a fear of losing a job or not being able to be taken as seriously."
"We know that racial discrimination is not always overt, and this bill ensures that discrimination based on biases or stereotypes is stopped or held accountable," Agbaje said Monday.
"While natural hair and protective hairstyles are often most associated with people of African descent, the law does protect everyone from having their human rights violated."
Minnesota House passes bill banning hair discrimination
It's unclear how the CROWN Act will fare in the Republican-controlled Senate.
Wanna hear a secret?
