The Michigan House voted today to send an anti-discrimination bill protecting “traits historically associated with race” to the governor.
The policy, known commonly as the “CROWN Act”, would prevent discrimination against people for wearing their natural hair or styles related to it like braids, locs, and twists.
Democratic Representative Stephanie Young says people have faced forced haircuts and other discrimination.
“As a woman of color, often times people look at myself and some of my colleagues and just instantly, we’ll be judged because of how we’re wearing our hair. Because it just doesn’t fit certain styles, it doesn’t fit certain social norms, that we’re considered different.” said Young.
Critics have questioned whether the bill language is too broad. Governor Gretchen Whitmer has signaled support for CROWN Act policies in the past.
