House Bill 1083, also known as the CROWN Act, is on its way to the Senate after receiving overwhelming passage in the House. The bill, authored by New Orleans Representative Candace Newell, prohibits discrimination on the basis of hair texture, natural hairstyles, and protective hairstyles. It passed after no debate on a 74-24 vote.
“I was really excited to see that I had the number of votes that I received, to see the board light up to 74, I was beyond thrilled, beyond excited,” said Newell.
Studies have consistently shown that Black people and Black women in particular with natural hairstyles such as afros, braids, or twists are seen as less professional which leads to bias in hiring and other areas.
Newell says that she hopes people in Louisiana are finally becoming aware of an issue that has been on the national radar for a while.
“I just thought it was an issue that needed to be addressed,” said Newell.
Newell says that the straight hair standard essentially amounts to a tax on a large number of people forced to spend money simply because their hair doesn’t conform. She says this issue impacts not just Black men and women in the state, but cuts across all demographics in some way.
“They shouldn’t be forced to also go through heat and chemical treatments just to straighten it to be perceived as professional or not, so it would not just pertain to African Americans, but to all of our citizens,” said Newell.
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