AN ACT TO CREATE THE "CREATE A RESPECTFUL AND OPEN WORKPLACE FOR NATURAL (CROWN) HAIR ACT"; TO PROHIBIT CREATION OF WORKPLACE AND SCHOOL POLICIES THAT DISCRIMINATE ON THE BASIS OF NATURAL HAIRSTYLES; TO PROHIBIT DISCRIMINATION BY AN EMPLOYER, SCHOOL, SCHOOL DISTRICT OR ADMINISTRATOR ENGAGED IN COMMERCE ON THE BASIS OF HAIR TEXTURE; TO PROHIBIT TERMINATION, REDUCTION OF WORK HOURS, OR PAYING A REDUCED SALARY OR WAGE OR EXPULSION OR DISMISSAL BASED ON HAIR TEXTURE; TO PROVIDE THE REMEDIES FOR ANY PERSON WHO IS AGGRIEVED BY VIOLATION OF THIS ACT; TO AMEND SECTION 25-9-149, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO CONFORM THE STATE DISCRIMINATION POLICY TO THE PROVISIONS OF THIS ACT; TO AMEND SECTION 89-9-19, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO CLARIFY THAT CONDOMINIUM RESTRICTIONS SHALL NOT INCLUDE DISCRIMINATORY PROVISIONS IN CONFORMITY WITH THIS ACT; TO AMEND SECTION 73-35-21, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO CLARIFY THAT DISCRIMINATORY PRACTICES ARE GROUNDS FOR REVOCATION OF REAL ESTATE SALES AND BROKER LICENSES; TO AUTHORIZE COUNTIES AND MUNICIPALITIES TO CREATE POLICIES THAT PROHIBIT DISCRIMINATORY PRACTICES IN CONFORMITY WITH THIS ACT; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.
Impact
If enacted, HB44 would amend existing state laws including those related to discrimination, ensuring that natural hairstyles cannot be grounds for dismissal, reduced hours, or pay discrepancies. It establishes a right for individuals who experience discrimination based on hair texture to seek remedies through civil actions. The bill promotes equality within the state’s workforce and educational institutions by aligning legislation to support diversity and cultural expression. It positions local municipalities with the power to create anti-discriminatory policies that resonate with the Act's principles, thereby contributing positively to community standards regarding fairness and respect in workplace and school environments.
Summary
House Bill 44, known as the 'Create a Respectful and Open Workplace for Natural (CROWN) Hair Act,' seeks to address discrimination in employment and educational settings based on natural hairstyles. The bill prohibits employers, schools, and administrators from implementing dress codes or policies that restrict individuals from wearing natural hairstyles such as afros, braids, twists, or locs. This legislation aims to combat workplace inequities and ensure that individuals are not subject to unjust treatment or penalties based on their hair texture. HB44 reflects the understanding that hairstyles carry deep cultural significance and that discriminatory practices based on hair can adversely affect people's quality of life and opportunities for advancement.
Contention
The passage of the CROWN Act may raise discussions around arguments for and against cultural expression versus professional norms in workplaces and schools. Advocates argue that the measure is crucial for protecting marginalized groups from systemic racism that affects their professional and educational experience. Critics of such initiatives may express concern that enforcing specific hairstyles could impose limitations on personal presentation and the standards of professionalism, leading to potential pushback in implementation. Overall, HB44 aims at reducing disparities faced by individuals, particularly from communities of color, thereby addressing broader social justice issues within Mississippi.