A law that would protect against hair discrimination is making its way through the City of Austin. The law protects against hair discrimination in school and the workplace, particularly for women of color.

The Crown act was first implemented in California in 2019 and is now law in 14 states and 34 cities and counties. City leaders are looking to add Austin to that list, which also includes Houston.

What You Need To Know

  • The Crown Act is a law that protections against hair-based discrimination which predominately affects women of color

  • The law has been implemented in 14 states and 34 cities and counties including Houston

  • A national study found Black women are 3.4 times more likely to be perceived as “unprofessional”

  • Texas lawmakers were unsuccessful in passing the Crown Act during the 2021 legislative session, so city leaders in Austin are working to implement it in the coming months

A national study found hair discrimination against Black girls starts as early as five years old. A survey found Black women are 80% more likely to say they changed their hair to fit in a work environment.

For Lauren Riggins, her hair is her crown. But as a Black woman, heavy is the head that has to wear that crown.

“It’s sad, you know, that we’re still fighting for our rights for simple things like our hair,” she said.

In Austin, Riggins is known as Chakeeta B. She’s an artist, singer/songwriter, entrepreneur and the creator of the Kinky Curly Coily Fest, an annual event that celebrates black hair.

“I think it’s just important to be able to show people that it’s okay to wear your natural hair,” she said.

Black hair stylist Lizz Fletcher says she’s faced discrimination many times. Most beauty schools, she says, don’t even teach black hair.

“You’re not even thinking of us when you write the curriculum to do hair,” Fletcher said. “The books have not been updated since, probably segregation, honestly.”

The Crown Act isn’t just about hair. At its root, it’s about racism.

A national study conducted by Crown Act reports Black hair is 3.4 ntimes more likely to be perceived as “unprofessional.”

“How my hair grows naturally is profession, your Afro is professional because really it’s not going to affect how you do your work,” Fletcher said.

The Crown Act failed to make it to the Texas Legislature last year. But the ultimate goal is to make it federal law. That’s why Office of Civil Rights Director Carol Johnson decided to bring it to Austin.

“It’s a statement to say, you know, ‘We are not going to tolerate discrimination in any form,’” Johnson said.

As a Black woman in the corporate world, Johnson says she’s experienced hair discrimination herself.

“I’ve had to think twice about how to wear my hair,” she said. “And it’s a decision we shouldn’t have to make.”

Johnson says the city is close to completing the writing for the ordinance that will be presented to the city council for a vote. That date is unknown, but it’s expected to be in the coming months.

Johnson says Texas could try to pass the Crown Act in the next legislative session.

The Crown Act spokesperson tells Spectrum News:

“The federal bill recently failed during the House vote last week. HR 2116 fell short of the two-thirds majority votes needed to pass under the expedited rules. The co-leads will seek to pass the bill under rule in the coming weeks.”