People impacted by hair discrimination are encouraged to share their stories at micrownact.com
LANSING, Mich. (June 8, 2023) – Today, the Michigan House voted 100-7—with significant bipartisan support—to pass Sen. Sarah Anthony’s (D-Lansing) Senate Bill 90, also known as the CROWN (Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair) Act. Sen. Anthony’s bill will protect Michigan residents from discrimination in the workplace based on wearing their natural hair. The legislation now returns to the Senate for enrollment and presented to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer for her signature into law.
“I am proud to announce that the CROWN Act has passed through both chambers of the Michigan legislature with bipartisan support,” said Sen. Anthony. “When I first introduced this legislation in 2019, it was shelved, and I was told that we needed to prioritize ‘more important’ issues. I can think of nothing more important than prohibiting legalized racial discrimination in school and the workplace.”
“Hair discrimination is a lived reality for many Michiganders of Color, particularly in the Black community. It can affect our employment, education, and wellbeing. At the start of this year, Democrats made it clear that this legislative session would be different—we would focus on the needs of the people, not special interests. We have accomplished great things, and the passage of this bill sends a clear message that Michigan is an inclusive state for all people. I look forward to the Governor signing this bill into law.”
“Believe it or not, natural hair discrimination is a real thing,” said Rep. Stephanie A. Young (D-Detroit). “When you hear of instances of employers putting staff on administrative leave for their natural hairstyles, or elementary school personnel taking it upon themselves to cut a little Black girl’s natural hair, but nobody else’s, I hope folks can begin to see the importance of this legislation that I have been honored to vote ‘yes’ on each time it came before me in the House. Many thanks to my colleague Sen. Sarah Anthony for seeing this legislation through. Can’t wait for the bill signing!”
An overwhelming percentage of employees of color in the workplace feel their success or reputation is negatively impacted when they elect to style their natural hair texture or wear protective styles such as braids, locs, twists, and knots. This systemic discrimination based on one’s hairstyle has no place in Michigan, which is why adopting the CROWN Act is a necessary step to take towards breaking down these invisible barriers to success.
“The passing of the CROWN Act speaks to the countless stories like mine—where an innumerable amount of women, men, people and children have been stripped of educational, professional, and social opportunities and impacted psychologically simply because of their hair,“ said Cameo King, a journalist who spoke earlier this year about how she experienced hair discrimination in the workplace. “Today I will walk a little taller knowing my story and the unknown stories were not in vain. “
Earlier this year, Sen. Anthony was joined by other Senators and Representatives, including members of the Michigan Legislative Black Caucus, as well as impacted individuals for a press conference to discuss the importance of this legislation. Last month, Sen. Anthony, Adjoa B. Asamoah from ABA Consulting and the creator of the CROWN Act, Steve Japinga from the Lansing Regional Chamber, and Gabrielle Dresner from ACLU Michigan spoke in support of the bill at a hearing of the Senate Civil Rights, Judiciary and Public Safety Committee. More than 100 individuals and organizations also submitted cards of support on the bill in committee on May 4, and the legislation also had broad support in the House Criminal Justice Committee.
Sen. Anthony has also launched a website, micrownact.com, to provide additional information and collect stories of people who have been impacted by hair discrimination.
###