Rep. Brent Celebrates National CROWN Day

COLUMBUS - State Rep. Juanita O. Brent (D-Cleveland) today released the following statement celebrating National Create a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair (CROWN) Day:

“We are fighting for Black hair independence,” said Rep. Brent. “As long as the C.R.O.W.N Act is not law in Ohio, hair discrimination will be allowed to affect success in education and professionally for those whose textured hair is kept in braids, afros, and puffs.”

The C.R.O.W.N Act, House Bill (HB) 178, creates protections against hair discrimination in public K-12 schools and public and private preschools. HB 178 also provides victims of hair discrimination the right to sue the assailant.

The bill was passed on the House floor with a (83-7) vote and now awaits committee assignment in the Senate.