January 1, House Passes Bill Banning Hair Discrimination

The House of Representatives passed legislation that would ban discrimination against people based on their hair styles.

The Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair (CROWN) Act passed 235-189, with 14 Republicans joining Democrats in support.

Proponents of the CROWN Act said that formally banning hair discrimination is necessary because black Americans are often penalized by workplace and school policies that disallow hairstyles like afros, braids, and cornrows.

House Republicans largely questioned the need for such legislation, saying they believed existing law banning racial discrimination already applies.

“It’s covered. It’s wrong if it happens,” said Rep. Jim Jordan (Ohio).

Jordan said the House should be focused on legislation related to inflation or record-high gas prices instead.

“The Democrats today, Friday, March 18, 2022, with chaos all over the place, this is what they’re focused on. This is what they’re focused on,” Jordan said. 

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House passes bill to prohibit discrimination based on hair