CROWN Act signed in the State of Connecticut!
For many years, much discussion in the beauty industry has been directed to the topic of equity of hairstyle. The Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair Act, better known as the CROWN Act, was signed into law by Governor Ned Lamont on March 10, 2021. The portion of the bill that is related to race and protective hairstyles reads as follows:
“Race” is inclusive of ethnic traits historically associated with race, including, but not limited to, hair texture and protective hairstyles; and
“Protective hairstyles” includes, but is not limited to, wigs, headwraps and hairstyles such as individual braids, cornrows, locs, twists, Bantu knots, afros and afro puffs.
The full text of the bill that can be found at this link:
https://www.cga.ct.gov/2021/TOB/H/PDF/2021HB-06515-R00-HB.PDF (See sections 23 and 24)
The International Institute of Cosmetology wholly supports the passage of this bill into law. Creating an equitable environment in the beauty industry is aligned with our values and we are encouraged to see this positive step forward towards greater inclusivity.
