NEW ORLEANS – Councilmember Helena Moreno has introduced legislation to prohibit discrimination in the workplace, in housing and public accommodations based on the way Black women choose to wear their hair. According to recent national studies, Black women are 50% more likely to be discriminated against or lose their jobs due to simply the style of their hair, whether it be natural, braids or other choices.
Currently, there is federal legislation called the CROWN (Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair) Act that aims to correct racial injustices by making hair discrimination illegal at the federal level. The U.S. House of Representatives voted and passed the CROWN Act, however, the U.S. Senate still needs to hear and pass the bill. In the interim, cities and states around the country have taken steps toward similar protections in their own communities. States that have enacted protections include California, New York, New Jersey, Virginia, Colorado, Washington, and Maryland. In October 2020, the Pittsburgh City Council passed their version of the CROWN Act. Kansas City has done the same with an ordinance that went into effect November 1 of this year. Councilmember Moreno strongly believes it is time for New Orleans to join this movement.
"We know an overwhelming number of Black women report that they change their natural hairstyle to avoid prejudice in the corporate work environment. It's unfair and speaks of pervasive discrimination in the workplace. We won't let it happen here," said Councilmember Moreno. "New Orleans must do better and dismantle long-standing barriers to success for black women, and this is just another step in creating an equal playing field where all can succeed. I want to thank advocates like Nia Weeks from Citizen SHE for helping bring this issue forward."
This ordinance can only apply to the City of New Orleans, but Councilmember Moreno and advocates are seeking introduction of similar legislation before the Louisiana Legislature so that protections are applicable statewide in the private and public sectors.
"Black Women's lives are intersectional. In every move we make, whether it's gaining employment, seeking housing, or going to school, We have to consider every aspect of life, including how people react to how we look. Our hair, although intrinsically a natural aspect of being human, is a space fraught with controversy that has had the ability to hinder our acceptance and capacity in all areas of life. This ordinance speaks not only as a letter of respect and care for Black Women in New Orleans, but serves as a device that will aid in removing harm placed on Black Women because of choice of hairstyle. Gratitude to Councilmember Helena Moreno for so quickly acknowledging Black Women in our city as vital members of our community deserving of equity and growth," said Nia Weeks, Executive Director Citizen SHE United.
To read more about Moreno's CROWN Act, click here.
To view the actual ordinance, click here.
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Media Contact:
Andrew Tuozzolo
Office of Councilmember-at-Large Helena Moreno
AVTuozzolo@nola.gov