The "Crown" Act; authorize to prohibit discrimination based on natural or protective hairstyles.
The CROWN Act is designed to enforce fair treatment of individuals regardless of their hairstyle, thereby addressing disparities that lead to a negative influence on the wages and quality of life of employees and students of color in Mississippi. It acknowledges the historical context of hair texture as a racial identifier and legislates against policies that may perpetuate discrimination, thus aiming to enhance the socio-economic conditions of affected populations.
House Bill 687, known as the Create A Respectful and Open Workplace for Natural Hair (CROWN) Act, aims to prohibit discrimination based on natural or protective hairstyles in Mississippi workplaces and schools. The bill targets discriminatory dress codes and policies that impact individuals based on their hair texture, particularly affecting marginalized communities. By recognizing hairstyles such as afros, braids, and locks, the act seeks to promote inclusivity and equity within educational and commercial environments.
While supporters of HB687 assert that the bill is a necessary step towards achieving racial equity and workplace respect, there may be opposition based on concerns about how the law interacts with existing workplace regulations and traditions. Questions might arise regarding the implementation and enforcement of the act, especially how it aligns with broader workplace policies that govern appearance standards. Thus, the bill is not without potential challenges regarding its applicability across different sectors.