Bill > SJR61

Introduced Session

This joint resolution designates July 3 of each year as "CROWN Act Day" in the State of New Jersey in recognition of the passage of the CROWN Act in New Jersey. July 3 has been designated National Crown Day by the CROWN Coalition to commemorate California signing the CROWN Act into law, being the first state to do so. African-American women, men, and children regularly deal with discrimination in the workplace and in educational settings due to their hair. Hair textures and styles have been the focus of bias and discrimination, especially in professional settings, for too long. A study completed in 2019 by the JOY Collective found data that is alarming in the 21st century. African-American women are 80 percent more likely to change their natural hair to meet social norms and fit in at work. African-American women are 1.5 times more likely to have been sent home or know of an African-American woman who has been sent home from work because of her hair. African-American women's hair is 3.4 times more likely to be perceived as unprofessional. Finally, African-American women are 30 percent more likely to be made aware of a formal workplace appearance policy. African-American men and children are not immune to the effects of the statistics found in the 2019 study. In 2018, an incident occurred with an African-American 16-year old boy named Andrew Johnson, spurring the passage of the CROWN Act in this State. He was denied from competing in a wrestling match at his New Jersey high school unless he cut his dreadlocks. A 2021 study by the JOY Collective found that 86 percent of African-American teens who experience discrimination state they have experienced discrimination based on their hair by the age of 12. African-American individuals face many forms of discrimination in the workplace and in educational settings and it is time that more attention be brought to the issue of hair discrimination. Designating July 3 as "CROWN Act Day" will highlight the 2019 passage of the CROWN Act in New Jersey and will create an annual opportunity for New Jerseyans to learn about the issue of hair discrimination.

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Angela Mcknight (D)*, 

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism & Historic Preservation Committee (on 01/09/2024)

Official Document