AKRON, Ohio — *Editor's Note: The video in the player above originally aired on December 9, 2019.
In another victory against racism, the Akron City Council has unanimously passed legislation making hair discrimination illegal.
The legislation, otherwise known as the CROWN ACT resolution, was presented by Councilwoman Tara L. Mosley Samples back in February.
The CROWN Act explicitly prohibits discrimination on the basis of hair texture or style, commonly experienced by Black Americans. CROWN Act stands for "Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair."
Samples urged the State House to pass the legislation and on Monday, the resolution passed unanimously.
The legislation submitted states that throughout history in the United States, physical traits such as dark skin and kinky or curly hair have been used to classify individuals on the basis of race and discriminate based on these traits.
"...these biases have also permeated societal understanding of professionalism. Professionalism is closely linked to European features and mannerisms, which requires those who do not naturally fall into Eurocentric norms to alter their appearance, sometimes drastically and permanently, inn order to be deemed 'professional,'" the resolution reads.
Workplace policies and dress codes that prohibit natural hair, including afros, braids, twists and locks are more likely to deter applicants, especially for Black individuals, and burden or punish Black employees than other groups of people, the legislation explains.
"This is yet another step in making sure ALL people have the same equal protections and are exempt from discrimination here in the City of Akron," said Councilwoman Samples. "Today we move our City forward in the right direction."