I am writing for your consideration in supporting bill H.R. 5309:  CROWN Act of 2019 also known as the Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair Act.  This bill will eliminate discrimination against people who wear natural hairstyles at school and in the workplace. Hairstyles commonly associated with discrimination are braids, dreadlocks, twists, Bantu knots, and Afros. This act will discontinue discrimination against a person right to choose the way they wear their hair.

The CROWN Act of 2019 was first introduced into Congress on December 5, 2019 by Representative Cedric Richmond.  The bill is currently in the first stage of the legislation process. According to GovTrack.us. the bill has a 4% chance of being passed. Minorities will continue to be passed over for employment, promotions, entry into schools, and other social programs because of their hair if this bill is not passed. There would be no laws to protect the public and ensure that they are being treated fair.  Representative Richmond believed in this bill so much that he introduced it in hopes to make a positive change in the world.

 It is important that officials speak out against discrimination to promote equality and help fix our fragmented structure.  I am particularly concerned about young African Americans who are being discriminated against in our schools and at our place of employment. These citizens are our co-workers, students, employees, employers, and neighbors. No matter how hard they work, they are viewed and judged by their hair. Recently several teens were forced to cut or change their natural hairstyles due to discrimination. Because of someone’s personal beliefs, feelings, and/ or the lack of knowledge regarding natural hairstyles, they were publicly ridiculed and embarrassed. Locally, in Pittsburgh, a teen was told that his hairstyle did not meet the dress code and guidelines of his school. Dreadlocks are an unacceptable hairstyle according to the Code of Ethics at Central Catholic High School. Dreadlocks is a culturally based hairstyle that has been dated back centuries as well as a fashion statement. Why should this young man cut his hair in order to gain a high school education. Is he not worthy of a good education because of his hair?  This bill will protect minorities as well as others who choose not to put products, harmful chemicals, and other ingredients in their hair from hair discrimination.

As the CROWN Act of 2019 is being considered by a committee, I hope that you will take the time out and review the bill and vote to end hair discrimination. Keep these views in mind as you press on in making decisions to better help the public. This issue is important to me because I am an African American woman who would like the option to choose a hairstyle that best fit my lifestyle. If wearing my hair in a natural hairstyle work for me, I should not be judged or discriminated against.  Please support the CROWN Act of 2019 and help fix our broken system.

“All Americans – regardless of race, religion, disability, gender, or sexual orientation – are guaranteed equal rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. I am deeply committed to protecting equal rights and ensuring that all Americans can pursue their dream. Racism, discrimination, bigotry, hate speech, and hate crimes have no place in our country. We must continue to strengthen anti-discrimination laws and level the playing field for everyone.”

~Michael Doyle Jr.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

L. Williams