Punished for braids or locks? KC Council should ban hairstyle discrimination

Kansas City can take a step this week to protect civil rights by banning discrimination based on hairstyles common in the Black community.

City code already bans discrimination based on the style, cut or length of one’s hair. The proposal, to be discussed Wednesday, will add specific language protecting “braids, locks and twists,” as well as other styles popular with Black men and women.

Supporters call it the CROWN Act. It’s an acronym for “Create a Respectful and Open World (or Workplace) for Natural Hair.”

It’s disappointing that some local business owners still object to braids and locks. “I have had several complaints from residents stating that they have experienced this type of discrimination in the workplace firsthand,” City Councilwoman Melissa Robinson said in an email.

A group called Shirley’s Kitchen Cabinet is among several working to pass the ordinance. “On the surface, it seems innocuous, but long-held negative perceptions about natural hair and hairstyles worn by Black people are rooted in racism,” said Michele Watley of the group, in an email.

Other organizations have endorsed the change. Qiana Thomason, president and CEO of the Health Forward Foundation, said it’s a matter of fairness.

“It is an issue that is invisible to most people, but has a deep and lifelong impact for Black people,” she wrote to the City Council. “When able to bring their authentic selves to work, Black men and women are more likely to experience belonging and invest in and advance business goals.”

The Heartland Black Chamber of Commerce wrote a similar letter backing the change. Nationally, four out of five Black women say they’ve faced workplace pressure to change hairstyles.

The ordinance, which is popping up in other states and cities, is designed to protect students in public schools, as well as workers in shops and businesses. The protection is critical: Black students have faced discipline in other places for their hairstyles.

And council action is needed. Versions of the CROWN Act were introduced this year in the Kansas and Missouri legislatures, but didn’t pass. When lawmakers convene next year, they should take up the proposal and enact the law.

The U.S. House recently passed a similar measure by voice vote. The U.S. Senate has not acted..

In the meantime, the Kansas City Council can make an important statement about inclusion by passing the ordinance. For all of us, hairstyles reflect pride and culture. They tell other people who we are.

They also change frequently, often in a matter of weeks.

Beards, ponytails, man buns, dyed hair and bald heads are statements. It’s appalling and baffling that Black Kansas Citians can still be denied the right to wear their hair any way they like.

Nine members of the City Council are listed as co-sponsors of the amendment, which means it has the votes for approval. If the measure becomes law, it would take effect Nov. 1.

The City Council should pass the CROWN Act this week.

This story was originally published September 29, 2020 at 11:44 AM.