5.01.24 – APFA Endorses the CROWN Act

APFA Endorses the CROWN Act

Wednesday, May 1, 2024

This week, U.S. House Representative Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ-12) and Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) introduced the Create a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair Act, or the CROWN Act, in the 118th Congress, which would prohibit race-based hair discrimination at the federal level. Our Union firmly believes that hair texture and protective hairstyles should not limit any individual’s employment or educational opportunities. For these reasons, APFA proudly endorses the reintroduction of this bill.

Rep. Watson Coleman, Senator Booker Reintroduce
Crown Act to Fight Racial Discrimination

“Our hair plays a significant role in our overall well-being, self-esteem, cultural identity, and personal expression,” said Rep. Watson Coleman. “Discrimination against Black hair is discrimination against Black people. And we’re going to put a stop to it. I’m grateful to the broad coalition that has developed to pass this legislation and look forward to working with them to ensure everyone can live as their authentic selves.”

In 2022, during the 117th Congress, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the CROWN Act by a vote of 235-189, but the bill failed to pass in the Senate. The CROWN Act has passed in 23 state legislatures and numerous cities nationwide. It’s time to end race-based hair discrimination across the entire country.

Flight Attendants, like other professionals, have experienced pressure to conform to Eurocentric beauty standards, disregarding the differences in natural hairstyles and textures. APFA thanks Representative Bonnie Coleman Watson, Senator Cory Booker, and the many co-sponsors of this bill for reaffirming that natural hair belongs everywhere. The CROWN Act is critical to promoting inclusivity and respect for a person’s natural appearance and cultural identity in any profession that maintains grooming and appearance standards.

In Solidarity,

Allie Malis
Lori Vitto-Glattly
APFA Government Affairs Committee Representatives
[email protected]

Jamie Marshall
Charlotte Sivels
Ondrea Wallace
Anya Washington
APFA Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee Representatives
[email protected]