St. Paul, Minnesota – Today, the Minnesota Senate passed the CROWN Act by a vote of 45 to 19. HF 37, The Crown Act adds to the Minnesota Human Rights Code a definition of race that includes natural hairstyles and textures. It’s hampering the overall potential and productivity of the Minnesota economy.
“I am proud of my colleagues who passed the CROWN Act. Representative Esther Agbaje (DFL-Minneapolis)“Hair has been used as a proxy for race and has discouraged qualified and talented individuals from applying for jobs or showing up in space as their true selves.” represents our commitment to ensuring that all Minnesotans, especially young children in Black and Brown communities, have the opportunity to be themselves and feel empowered to be themselves.”
“The Crown Act ensures that Minnesotans will not, now or in the future, be discriminated against because of the hair they were born with.” senator Said. “This type of discrimination disproportionately affects black women who deserve to experience a welcoming environment in our state. It’s just another step in making a strong Minnesota state.”
Although Minnesota’s human rights law protects against racism, the pernicious problem of hair discrimination and racial prejudice against blacks’ natural hair has historically become less prominent in Minnesota and elsewhere. The Crown Act clarifies Minnesota’s human rights law to ensure that Minnesotans are not discriminated against because of their natural hair.
Passing the Crown Act is an important step towards eradicating racial prejudice and stigma regarding the natural hair of black people in Minnesota. First state to pass law. A nationwide movement is moving forward to ban hair discrimination and protect the civil rights of all Americans. The CROWN Act was passed by the Minnesota House of Representatives in 2020 and 2022, but did not become state law. The bill is expected to be signed in the coming weeks.
