New Haven State Rep. Robyn Porter’s legislative quest to combat discrimination against Black women because of their hairstyles came to fruition as Gov. Ned Lamont signed the CROWN Act.
CROWN stands for “Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair.”
Porter authored and quarterbacked passage of the bill, which mirrors bills passed in seven other states. Similar proposals are being considered in other states. Connecticut is the first state to pass the law in 2021.
It takes effect in Connecticut immediately.
The law “expands civil rights protections by prohibiting discrimination, including in the workplace and other public accommodations, based on hairstyles that are commonly associated with people of color, such as afros, afro puffs, Bantu knots, braids, cornrows, locs, twists, headwraps, and wigs.”
Porter joined Gov. Lamont and Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz Wednesday for a ceremonial signing of the act outdoors at the Capitol Wednesday. (Lamont signed the bill last week.)
Click on the above video to watch the event.
A Dove 2019 CROWN Research Study indicating that Black women are 50 percent more likely to report being sent home or know of someone who was sent home because of their hair, and 80 percent are more likely to change their hair from their natural state to meet workplace expectations.
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“Some people don’t know we go through this — we really do have to conform. We have to try to assimilate and be ‘professional.’ It’s said the way we wear our hair is not professional. It’s not ‘tidy.’ It’s not appropriate,’” Porter said at Wednesday’s Capitol event.
“Today is a day of liberation, of celebration, of freedom, giving Black and brown people, women, men and children the room and the opportunity to show up authentically who we are …
“My hair is me. Depending on how I feel is how I show up. I may wear an afro. I may put it in some twists. I may let it dry and get curly. Or I may cut it all off, because as y’all know I did that. Sometimes the crown is just a crown.”
“When a person of color has a job interview or simply goes to work, they should never be judged based on anything other than skills, work product, commitment, dedication, and work ethic,” the governor said. “This measure is critical to helping build a more equitable society.”
Congratulations to Rep. Porter and all who supported this legislation.
People who say you can't make people change by passing a law are wrong. Here's one more step in equality.