During her Pro Tem tenure in 2020, then Detroit City Council President Mary Sheffield proposed that the Legislative Policy Division (LPD) explore the possibility of local legislation banning hair-based discrimination within the City of Detroit. This initial proposal has since evolved into the Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair (CROWN) Act, which passed at the state level in Lansing on June 15, 2023. The CROWN Act broadens the scope of the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act by prohibiting race-based hair discrimination.
The CROWN Coalition, which includes Dove, National Urban League, Color of Change, and the Western Center on Law and Poverty, has been a driving force behind this legislation. Their dedication is focused on eradicating hair bias discrimination in the workplace, promoting inclusivity and equality, and acknowledging the cultural significance of diverse hairstyles.
The integration of the CROWN Act into the Detroit City Code holds profound implications for Black Detroiters. For too long, many Black individuals have been subjected to discrimination and prejudice due to their natural hair textures and chosen styles, with repercussions spanning social, educational, and professional domains. This legislation would affirm the rights of Black Detroiters to embrace their cultural and personal identities without fear of adverse consequences, such as employment discrimination. By legally acknowledging and protecting against hair-based bias, Detroit is set to foster a more inclusive environment where Black residents are not only accepted but celebrated for their individuality and diversity. This move is also expected to increase racial understanding and bridge cultural gaps, promoting unity and respect amongst all Detroiters.
In a recent City Council meeting on Tuesday, President Sheffield’s office requested the LPD to draft an ordinance that would amend the Detroit City Code to include the CROWN Act. This proposal underlines the city’s commitment to combating discrimination and could set a precedent for other cities across the country. The inclusion of the Act on the City Council’s meeting agenda also emphasizes the importance of the issue to the city’s legislative process and the council’s determination to address it.
If successful, the ordinance would serve as an exemplary model for cities across the country, reaffirming Detroit’s commitment to progressive leadership and civil rights.