Texas Rep. Rhetta Andrews Bowers (D-Garland, District 113), is once again taking on the issue of hair discrimination.
“The CROWN Act was the first bill that I knew I was going to refile,” said Bowers.
The bill protects men and women from hair discrimination based on hair texture and a protected hairstyle commonly associated with race. Protected hairstyles in the bill include braids, locks and twists.
“It is for the classroom, the workplace, as well as in housing. Students have been held from graduation, they have been kept from the prom, they have been pulled off of basketball courts,” said Bowers.
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Bowers has worked with State Board of Education member Aicha Davis (D-District 13) on raising awareness.
“A lot of school districts are open to listening to this type of conversation,” said Davis, who represents Dallas and Tarrant counties.
Davis said while she has not seen specific instances with students here there have been some throughout the state and she's hopeful other lawmakers will hear from them.
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“This session, education seems to be a priority and that is from both sides of the aisle. So I really hope that they understand the importance of this bill if you really prioritize public education,” added Davis.
Bowers said she has discussed this with House Speaker Dade Phelan (R-Beaumont, District 21), and he was receptive. The bill made it through a House committee last session, but time ran out before it could get a full vote.
“I do believe we have gained the support that we need across the state. We are still working on it,” said Davis.
Several states have already passed this legislation, and so has the City of Austin.
- Online: Read HB 567 here.
