Impact of the CROWN Act on the BLM Movement

Hair discrimination detrimentally affects Black individuals in places of work and education. People of color face societal pressure to change their hairstyle to prevent preconceived stereotypes. 

Black women are 1.5 times more likely to be sent home from the workplace because of their hair and girls of color are more likely to be disciplined in school for how they wear their hair. 

This piece of legislation enables a culture of acceptance. Students and employees have the opportunity to express their identity and culture through their hair without the fear of facing discrimination or punishment. 

In states where the CROWN Act has been enacted, it is not only protecting the right of students of color but changing the academic culture of schools. The New York State of Education says: "The CROWN Act acknowledges that hairstyles have been just one piece of a pattern of harassment for some students and makes it illegal to limit students' opportunities based on hair. It is about understanding how patterns of incidents demonstrate a need for school personnel to become the impetus for a healthy shift in school culture by creating positive school climates that promote a sense of school belonging". 

The CROWN Act serves to solve long-term issues rooted in racism, by encouraging positive cultural and societal change. 

Everyone deserves to express their identity and culture without fearing judgment; the color of one's skin and the texture or style of one's hair should not affect individuals from acquiring employment or academic opportunities. Passing legislation in every state of the nation will greatly impact the mission of Black Lives Matter by beginning to eradicate systematic racism prevalent in workplaces and schools.