City Of Louisville: Mayor Fischer Signs CROWN Act To Include Hair Protections As Part Of Anti-Discrimination Ordinance

Press release from the City of Louisville:

July 15, 2021

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Mayor Greg Fischer today signed the CROWN Act, banning discrimination against a person based on their natural hair or hairstyles.

CROWN is an acronym for Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair.

“Communities that embrace culture and diversity are strong communities,” said Mayor Fischer. “I hope this measure educates our community about the connection between hair and identity that has long been a part of Black culture, and the need to respect and protect the freedom to freely express oneself through hair style.”

The ordinance makes it illegal to discriminate based on natural hair or hairstyles including natural texture and color, as well as braids, locks, twists and coverings related to a person’s national origin. It also protects people from unwanted touching, including touching of the hair.

Members of the Real Young Prodigy’s youth music group joined in the signing ceremony and performed their official song “CROWN.” The youth group advocated throughout the city of Louisville and Frankfort for the passing of the CROWN Act.

“We hope that people understand the importance of the youth voice and advocacy and how effective it is to use their language such as Hip Hop to help create awareness and change,” said Director of the Real Young Prodigy’s, Antonio Taylor. “We will continue to fight for the Crown Act to be passed statewide and on the federal level until every person has the freedom to wear their hair as they so choose with the law protecting their right to do so.”

In approving the ordinance, Metro Council members noted that Black hairstyles are nearly four times more likely to be perceived as unprofessional, with Black women more likely to be sent home from work because of hair biases. This ordinance strives to dismantle those biases in the workplace and schools.

“The CROWN Act was first passed by the California legislator back in 2019 as a result of ongoing biased discrimination towards natural hair, adornments and coverings,” said Councilwoman Keisha Dorsey, D-3. “Hair texture is one of many distinguishing factors of one’s race while various coverings and adornments are reflection of one’s culture. I am proud of this community’s unapologetic pursuit of justice, freedom, equity and excellence. The protection now extended to ones CROWN is major win for the entire community. Keep going!”

To view the ordinance in its entirety, please visit https://louisville.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=4977261&GUID=…

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This press release was produced by the City of Louisville. The views expressed here are the author’s own.