Discrimination against African American hairstyles and hair textures in the US might soon be a thing of the past.
According to reports, three states in the USA introduced or advanced bills that would ban hair discrimination.
The bills are part of a national effort known as the CROWN Act, which stands for “Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair” and seeks to ensure protection against discrimination based on hair texture and protective styles.
The Colorado state House passed the CROWN Act and the state Senate introduced the bill last week.
Washington state passed a bill that would prohibit employers and schools from discriminating against people over hairstyles and textures including afros, braids, locks and twists.
The Minnesota bill introduced similar legislation earlier in the week.
The recent bills come after ‘Hair Love’s’ Oscar. The animated short film ‘Hair Love,’is a story about a black father trying to do his daughter’s hair.
In his acceptance speech, Cherry pushed for the CROWN Act to be passed around the nation.
“‘Hair Love’ was done because we wanted to see more representation in animation, we wanted to normalize black hair and there’s a very important issue out there, the CROWN Act. If we can help get this passed in all 50 states it will help stories like Deandre Arnold’s … stop to happen,” Cherry said.
Nearly two dozen states are considering action.
The CROWN Act is already law in California, New York, and New Jersey.
