As part of a burgeoning national movement toward institutional diversity and cultural awareness, State Senator Randolph Bracy (D-Ocoee) has introduced legislation, SB 566, that would prohibit discrimination on the basis of certain race-associated hair styles and textures, like dreadlocks, twists, and braids.
In a nod to the community most impacted by such discrimination, Senator Bracy will present the bill today in the Community Affairs Committee. While federal regulations already protect afros in anti-discrimination laws, this protection does not extend to other styles and textures that are often seen as indicators of racial identity. This gap has resulted in myriad instances of hair-based discrimination in schools, employment, and housing—all of which are addressed by SB 566, also known as the CROWN (Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural hair) Act.
WHO: State Senator Randolph Bracy (D-Ocoee)
WHAT: Press Conference on SB 566, CROWN Act
WHERE: Capitol Rotunda, 4th Floor outside Senate Chamber
WHEN: 4:30 pm on Monday, January 13, 2020
