For centuries, hair has been a way for Black men and women to express their individuality and culture. In environments where professionalism is prevalent, such as the workplace, it is expected that hair is worn in such a manner. However, Black people commonly face hair discrimination in workplaces and schools.
Although this situation is relevant in present times, it runs deep into history. In southern cities in the late 1700s, Creole women of color had to cover their hair to signify that they were a part of the slave class, free or not. It was also common for women of color, specifically Black women, to cover their hair due to the demands of their work, mainly on plantations.
Race-based hair discrimination remains a widespread issue for Black women in the present workplace. According to a 2023 Crown Research study, ”Black women are 54 percent more likely than Hispanic or white women to feel that they have to wear their hair straight to a job interview to be successful.” Some Black women may feel the need to change the way they look in order to fit into the social norms of “professionalism.”
Employers that only discipline employees with protective styles, refuse to promote employees with protective styles or require an employee to straighten or relax their hair is considered punishable by the Civil Rights Department. It’s unlawful for employers to discriminate against employees based on hair texture and styles such as twists, locks and braids that have historical association with race, based on the employees rights protected by the Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair Act (CROWN Act).
“People have said that because of my dreads, there’s less of an opportunity for me to get a job,” sophomore Jada Haughton said. “They make it seem like I don’t have good qualities just because of my hair.”
Young Black teens also tend to fall victim to the question of whether or not their hairstyle is acceptable in school environments. Durags, which have been worn by African Americans for years, tracing back to slavery in the 19th century, have always been an important staple for protecting hair. Black men tend to use durags to preserve their waves and keep their hair in place.
Many schools, including ours, prohibit anyone from wearing a durag due to Miami Dade County Public School’s policy on wearing any type of headgear. However, banning durags from school environments eliminates a crucial aspect of expressing Black identity which can lead to a loss of cultural affirmation and belonging.
“I’ve had to convince my parents to let me wear a durag,” senior Aidan Robert said. “They knew others saw durags as a negative thing and didn’t want me to experience any prejudice because of it.”
The CROWN Act was created by Dove and the CROWN Coalition to secure protection against discrimination in the workspace and school space against race based hairstyles. In order to bring awareness to this issue, the CROWN Act established a research center in order to present the systemic social and economic impact of hair bias.
Black people’s hair has been degraded, belittled and mocked all throughout history, but it’s so much more than just hair. It’s hair that was used during slavery to create maps and hold food. It’s hair that can mold into different styles such as locs and wicks. It’s hair that deserves recognition in any space, especially the workplace. It’s important to shine light on the discrimination, so as a society we can take necessary steps to accepting and appreciating all types of hair.