Senate Republicans Block Watson Coleman’s Hair Discrimination Bill

PRINCETON, NJ — Senate Republicans blocked the passage of the CROWN Act, which was authored by Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12).

H.R. 2116 is also known as Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair Act of 2021 or the CROWN Act.

The measure passed 235-189 along party lines in the House in March this year. The CROWN Act bans discrimination against people because of their hair texture or style. More: House Passes NJ Bill Banning Race-Based Hair Discrimination

Specifically, the bill prohibits this type of discrimination against those participating in federally assisted programs, housing programs, public accommodations, and employment.

Despite bipartisan support, the CROWN Act did not garner enough support from Republican Senators to override a filibuster.

Following the bill’s failure to pass the Senate, Watson Coleman said the Senate continues to stand in the way of progress.

“Republicans’ obstruction of the CROWN Act is part of a long tradition of weaponizing the filibuster to block civil rights legislation,” the Congresswoman said.

“It saddens and angers me that, in the year 2022, something as simple as opposing racial discrimination has become controversial,” Watson Coleman said. “My colleagues across the aisle were presented with an opportunity to stand united against discrimination. They chose instead to give in to the climate of division and hyper-partisanship.”

The Congresswoman said the fight is far from over and although she is disappointed, she is not defeated. “I remain steadfast in my commitment to protecting all Americans’ right to exist as their authentic selves,” Watson Coleman said.

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