Cory Booker Announces First-Ever Federal Bill Banning Natural Hair Discrimination

Booker's bill "bans discrimination based on hair textures and hairstyles commonly associated with a particular race or origin."

Senator Cory Booker has announced a federal bill that will address discrimination against natural hair.

ABC reports that Booker unveiled the CROWN (Create a Respectful and Open Workplace for Natural Hair ) Act on Thursday. It reportedly "bans discrimination based on hair textures and hairstyles commonly associated with a particular race or origin." One supporter, Rep. Cedric Richmond, a Democrat who represents Louisiana's 2nd District "introduced companion legislation" in the House of Representatives. He is joined by congresswomen Ayanna Pressley, Marcia Fudge and Barbara Lee.

In a statement, Booker addresses the new bill:

"Discrimination against black hair is discrimination against black people. Implicit and explicit biases against natural hair are deeply ingrained in workplace norms and society at large. This is a violation of our civil rights, and it happens every day for black people across the country."

Back in July, California was the first state to ban natural hair discrimination. New York followed and a few other states also announced similar bans. Assemblywoman Angela McKnight is reportedly sponsoring the New Jersey Bill A-5564 which will alter New Jersey's Law against Discrimination to add the term "race" to further include hair textures and protective hairstyles.

When speaking on the bill she shared:

"As a New Jersey legislator and as a black woman who wears her hair natural, I'm proud to be a part of this movement to protect Americans from systemic discrimination based on racial traits such as hairstyles; and I welcome Senator Booker to the cause."

Booker recently rolled out a $100 billion plan set to be allocated to HBCUs and minority serving institutions. This plan will largely focus on STEM education and addressing the many needs of historically black universities.

Source: ABC