Central Florida hairdressers push for ‘Corona Act’ to fight hair discrimination
Florida lawmakers are considering banning discrimination based on hair texture, type, or style with a bill introduced in the state Senate this week.
The CROWN Act – short for “Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair” – was filed by Senator Bobby Powell on Wednesday to ban hair discrimination in Florida schools.
The former Florida senator tried to get CROWN passed in January 2022, but he died a couple of months later in the community affairs committee.
However, the CROWN Act is law in 20 other states, and Central Florida barbers say the law is needed.
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Shakakan Stamper is a self-proclaimed master lock: a specialized hairdresser who works with dreadlocks and similar hair types. She told News 6 that she switched from straight to curls a few years ago and encourages other black women to use their natural hairstyles.
However, Stamper said some of her former clients were hesitant to wear their hair naturally to the workplace.
“I come from corporate America and I can understand where fear comes from,” Stamper said. “We still have to live. We still need to eat, so sometimes we have to adjust, but it hurts inside because it’s like, “OK, why can’t I be myself?”
Angel Neal, a beautician with over 30 years of experience, said she’s heard several similar stories from her clients.
“A lot of little kids now, their moms keep their hair natural so they get teased and teased at school,” Neil said.
The conversation about what is acceptable and what is not in professional hairstyles continues.
“I think it shouldn’t even matter now how we comb our hair,” Neil said. “I think it’s a shame that we’re still fighting for something that looks natural, something that comes naturally to us.”
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texasstandard.news contributed to this report.
