Delaware becomes 9th US State to ban hair discrimination

The State Of Delaware has become the ninth US state to pass the CROWN Act banning hair discrimination, confirmed The CROWN Coalition.

Delaware now joins Connecticut, California, New York, New Jersey, Virginia, Colorado, Washington and Maryland to prohibit natural hair discrimination in workplace and schools. The legislation was passed into law in Delaware by US Governor John Carney this week on Tuesday 13 April 2021.

The CROWN Act was introduced in Delaware by primary sponsor Senator Darius J Brown in January 2021. It is designed to prevent students, workers and tenants from being subjected to unequal treatment due to hair texture or protective hairstyles historically associated with race.  The Act amends Delaware discrimination law so that the term “race” is inclusive of traits historically associated or perceived to be associated with race, including hairstyles like braids, locs and twists. 

PROTECTION AGAINST HAIR DISCRIMINATION

“I was proud to sponsor Delaware’s CROWN Act and I join thousands of Delawareans in celebrating this important new law,” stated Senator Darius Brown. “This statute is part and parcel to establishing racial equity, fairness in employment, and ending race-based discrimination. It makes clear that traits historically associated with race – specifically hair texture and styles – are included in our definition of race and cannot be used to skirt long-standing anti-discrimination statutes. Hair should never define a person, their capability, or their place on this Earth; and I am proud to have played a part in building a better, fairer future for all Delawareans.”

The CROWN Act initiative, founded and led by beauty brand Dove and the CROWN Coalition, continues gaining traction in other states. The CROWN Coalition is a US alliance comprised of Dove, National Urban League, Color Of Change and Western Center on Law & Poverty. To date, nine states have passed the CROWN Act; while 25 other states have introduced similar legislation. New Mexico recently passed the legislation inspired by the CROWN Act to protect against hair discrimination. A federal bill passed in the US House of Representatives last year; and was reintroduced in March 2021, both in the House and Senate. 

ADDRESSING WORKPLACE RACIAL EQUITY

“I’m so proud of the work we’re leading with the CROWN Coalition to address racial equity in workplaces and schools through the CROWN Act,” stated Esi Eggleston Bracey, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of North America Beauty and Personal Care at Unilever. “Dove is excited Delaware has joined the other states in enacting The CROWN Act; and applaud the leadership of Senator Darius Brown, Rep. Kendra Johnson, Rep. Franklin Cooke, Rep. Melissa Minor-Brown, Rep. Sherae’a Moore, along with Governor John Carney for making race-based hair discrimination illegal in Delaware.”

The CROWN Coalition said it looks forward to more US states joining the movement; and passing this vital legislation. To support the movement or sign the petition, visit the website at www.TheCROWNAct.com.