Senate committee report urges support for Crown Act to prohibit hair-based discrimination

The Senate heard a committee report and testimony references on H363, commonly called the Crown Act, and ordered the bill for third reading. The senator from Chittenden South, reporting for the Economic Development, Housing, and General Affairs Committee, said the bill would amend Vermont's Fair Housing and Public Accommodation Act and the Fair Employment Practices Act to include hair type, hair texture and protective hairstyles in definitions of race for discrimination protections.

"Everyone should have a right to belong and feel beautiful in the hair they were born with," the senator from Chittenden South said in presenting the bill. The sponsor described testimony from witnesses including Representative Saudi Lamont, Dr. Ojoa Asamoah (who the sponsor said created the Crown Act in 2018 as part of a doctoral thesis), Crystal Brown, Joseph Jacobson, Damian Leonard and others.

The sponsor also cited health-related testimony, saying there is "now a clear link between the chemicals in hair straightening treatments and uterine fibroids," and reported figures from witnesses: "Nearly a quarter of black women between 18 30 have fibroids compared to just 6% of white women. By age 35, that number increases to 60% of Black women with recurring uterine fibroids and associated complications." The sponsor argued that discriminatory rules about hair have led to suspensions, workplace penalties and other harms.

The committee vote was reported in the transcript as '500' in favor, and the committee recommended the body support the bill. Senator Madison, who introduced the measure in previous sessions, thanked the committee and noted constituents had asked for protections after incidents in health care and schools. The Senate ordered H363 for third reading.

Next steps: H363 will be taken up for third reading on a subsequent floor calendar.