Protect Black Women Anti Discrimination Ordinance: Gwinnett

GWINNETT COUNTY — The CROWN Act prohibits Gwinnett County government from discriminating against its employees based on cultural hair textures and hairstyles. Eight state representatives will hold a virtual news conference at 1 p.m. Wednesday to commend the county’s commissioners on the local ordinance.

The Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners have included a version of the CROWN Act (Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair) as an anti-discrimination ordinance. This local CROWN Act seeks to protect Black women who live and work in Gwinnett County. The virtual news conference will take place Wednesday in Lawrenceville, at the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center, 75 Langley Drive, in conference room C.

“I want to thank the Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners for applying the CROWN Act to county employees,” said Sen. Nikki Merritt, who represents the 9th Senate District, which includes portions of Gwinnett County, in a statement. “This is a wonderful step towards banning race-based hair discrimination and protecting people of color in workplaces.”

“Gwinnett County BOC is to be commended for the recent passing of the county’s CROWN Act,” said Rep. Karen Bennett, who represents citizens of District 94, which includes portions of DeKalb and Gwinnett counties, in a statement. “This symbolizes progress evidenced by appreciation for diversity inclusion in and by county leadership. The entire state should follow in this historic stance.”

Other elected officials include: Donna McLeod (D-Lawrenceville), Jasmine Clark (D-Lilburn), Dewey McClain (D-Lawrenceville), Shelly Hutchinson (D-Snellville), Dar’shun Kendrick (D-Lithonia), Kim Schofield (D-Atlanta).