Senate District 21 Updates

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

I want to provide a mid-February update about the recent happenings in Lansing. Our community is devastated by the recent tragedy at Michigan State University. We all are connected to this institution in some way – whether you are a Spartan alum, you have friends or family that attend, or you are a longtime fan, this university is a staple in our state. We grieve the loss of these young lives, Brian Fraser, Alexandria Verner, and Arielle Anderson. We send our love and support to the entire Michigan State University community and the Mid-Michigan region. And now, it is time to act. I look forward to our state enacting common sense gun reform to ensure gun violence halts once and for all.

While we aim to move these solutions closer to the finish line, our region continues to be uplifted, vital and strong as we navigate through these challenging times. Below, you’ll find information about recent legislation I introduced and upcoming community events.

LEGISLATIVE UPDATES

I proudly re-introduced the CROWN Act on Tuesday during Senate session. CROWN, which stands for “Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair,” would prohibit race-based hair discrimination or the denial of employment and educational opportunities because of hair texture or protective hairstyles. This includes, but is not limited to, braids, locs, twists, or bantu knots.

Since I introduced this legislation in 2019, we have heard countless stories from individuals who have been treated unfairly simply because of how their hair is styled or how it naturally grows. Employees have reported being disciplined at work or even prevented from receiving promotions. Parents have shared heartbreaking instances where their children were wrongly reprimanded and punished at school. It is long overdue that our state passes this legislation to support the countless men, women and children facing unfair treatment each day because of inherent hair bias and discrimination

As of February 1, 2023, there are 20 states and several municipalities that have enacted the CROWN Act. Michigan is on track to be the 21st state to sign this into law, and I look forward to the legislative action to come.

Community Events

Last December, Governor Whitmer signed House Bill 4416 into law. This bipartisan bill, which I first introduced in 2019, creates a streamlined process for homeowners to abolish discriminatory language in their housing deeds.

Now, Ingham County residents are welcome to join me and Ingham County Register of Deeds, Derrick Quinney, for a “Restrictive Covenants Removal Fair”. Residents are encouraged to bring deeds that include discriminatory language so that it can be removed.

To RSVP, please email SenSAnthony@senate.michigan.gov.