City of Austin
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASERelease Date:
Contact: Communications and Public Information Office Email
Prohibiting discrimination based on hair style and texture
The Office of Civil Rights is hosting a virtual meeting focusing on the CROWN Act. The CROWN Act stands for “Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair”. Austin City Council has directed the City Manager to work with stakeholders, including civil rights organizations, organizations representing the interests of workers and protected classes, and businesses, on further recommendations for this civil rights ordinance and for the Civil Rights Office.
The CROWN Act was first introduced in 2019 to eliminate hair discrimination across the country as part of a national movement driven by the CROWN Coalition. So far, 12 states have passed the legislation, amending the definition of the word ‘race’ to include protections against hair discrimination.
The purpose of this discussion is to share and gather information about community needs and ways we can feel and be protected in our spaces. The first community forum to discuss the CROWN Act will help in gathering community input about protections necessary for people to be themselves and comfortable with wearing their natural hair and protective hair styles to work, in educational environments, in housing, the business space and everywhere we exist.
Residents are invited to learn more about the CROWN Act by registering for the free event. Individuals will be able to provide feedback, suggestions, and comment using SpeakUp Austin which will be published by the time of the virtual meeting.
Meeting Information:
• The meetings will begin at 2 p.m. on February 23. To participate, community members can RSVP here.
For more information on the meeting and the Office of Civil Rights visit: Office of Civil Rights | AustinTexas.gov