In Support of the Crown Act
Adopted at the in 2021
WHEREAS, the CROWN Act of 2021 is currently pending in Congress as H.R.2116, sponsored by NJ Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman and S. 888, sponsored by NJ Senator Cory Booker; and
WHEREAS, a study conducted by Michigan State University and Duke University revealed African American women with natural hairstyles encounter the highest rates of hair discrimination when seeking employment and Black women are 1.5 times more likely to be sent home from the workplace due to their hair; and
WHEREAS the Title VII of the Civils Rights Act of 1964 bans employment discrimination regarding race, color, religion, national origin, and gender, but does not prevent discrimination based on appearance, and hair discrimination persists, despite its evident connection to racial discrimination; and
WHEREAS, 13 states and 30 cities and towns have put into law the CROWN Act, to promote racial equity; and
WHEREAS, over 70 community and/or advocacy-focused organizations have endorsed the CROWN Act; and
WHEREAS, during the 86th Annual Meeting, the Supporting Cultural Equity Resolution stated, "everyone deserves equal access to a full, vibrant creative life, which is essential to a healthy and democratic society," and The U.S. Conference of Mayors resolved to continually support and "proliferate pro-equity policies and practices;" and
WHEREAS, stances and policies against systemic racism, strengthen communities, benefit businesses, and represent the values of this democracy,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that The United States Conference of Mayors advocates for and urges passage of the CROWN Act at the local, state, and federal levels to inhibit discrimination based on hair texture and hairstyle and to uplift the implementation of racial equity.