Crown Act Passed by the House of Representatives

By Ashley Moss
Staff Writer

The House of Representatives has passed legislation (H.R. 5309), otherwise known as the Crown Act, aimed at reducing racial and national-origin discrimination. Specifically, the bill prohibits discrimination based on a person’s hair texture or hairstyle if that style or texture is commonly associated with a particular race or national origin and is aimed at preventing discrimination against those participating in federally assisted programs, housing programs, public accommodations, and employment. 

First introduced in the House in late 2019, the bill prohibits discrimination based on a person’s hair texture or hairstyle if that style or texture is commonly associated with a particular race or national origin. It would also prohibit discrimination in federally funded programs, housing, employment, public accommodations, and with respect to the making and enforcement of contracts. Approval in the House will move towards making the bill a national mandate rather than the rule of thumb in select cities. Next, the Crown Act will be voted on by the Senate.