Watson Coleman, Black Caucus Urge Republicans To Include CROWN Act In Year-End Omnibus

MERCER COUNTY, NJ – Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) and members of the Congressional Black Caucus have called on the Senate leadership to include the CROWN Act in its end-of-year omnibus package.

Senate Republicans blocked the passage of the CROWN Act on Wednesday, which was authored by Rep. Bonnie Watson. In the senate, the bill was sponsored by Sen. Cory Booker.

The bill bans discrimination against people because of their hair texture or style, especially 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. More: Senate Republicans Block Watson Coleman's Hair Discrimination Bill

In a letter, addressed to Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, the Congressional Black Caucus urged leaders to prioritize the legislation.

“This is not “just a hair” issue, this is a Civil Rights issue. Hair-based discrimination remains a source of racial injustice with serious economic consequences for Black people,” the letter said. “Yet, current interpretations of Civil Rights legislation often limit anti-discrimination protections to skin color, but not hair. This continues to leave many Black people vulnerable to discriminatory practices.”

In March, the measure passed 235-189 along party lines in the House. More: House Passes NJ Bill Banning Race-Based Hair Discrimination

But on Wednesday Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) blocked the bill, failing to send it to President Joe Biden for his signature.

In their letter, the House representative said the CROWN Act “bridges the gap” in current anti-discrimination legislation.

“We are at a pivotal moment. The CROWN Act has become law in 19 states and many municipalities. It is also bipartisan in both the House and Senate. Additionally, the Administration has expressed their strong support for the CROWN Act,” the lawmakers said in their letter. “Now is the time to ensure federal passage to guarantee all Americans have the same protections. As we close out the 117th Congress, we urge you to pass the CROWN Act to ensure all Americans are fairly protected under the law.”

The letter was signed by prominent House representatives including Donald Payne Jr. (NJ-10, Ilhan Omar (MN-05), Shontel Brown (OH-11), Henry “Hank” Johnson (GA-04),Val Demings (FL-10) and Steven Horsford (NV-04).

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