HB 567 (Authors: Bowers; Rose; Reynolds; Sherman, Sr.; Buckley | Sponsor: Miles), Relating to discrimination on the basis of hair texture or protective hairstyle associated with race. HB 567 [known as “The CROWN Act”] prohibits discrimination based on a person’s hair texture or hairstyle – specifically braids, locks, and twists – when it comes to education (student dress or grooming policies), employment (employer, labor union, or employment agency practices), and housing.
Note: Black Texans have suffered negative impacts, including lost employment and housing opportunities and suspension from school, due to policies that discriminated against their natural hair. Many Black women have changed their hair to fit in at work, often by using chemical straighteners that burn the scalp and recently have been linked to uterine cancer. Other ways of forcing natural hair to comply with policies regulating appearance – such as binding, pinning, or pulling up hair – are often impractical and painful. Additionally, discriminatory hair policies in schools are damaging to Black students’ self-esteem, especially for girls. Certain hairstyles, including braids, locks, and twists, can be necessary to preserve natural Black hair. Effective on 9/1/23
During the 2023 session of the Texas Legislature, the Texas Center for Justice and Equity tracked around 40 youth and adult justice bills that made it to the Governor's desk. You can find links to all of our analyses in our 2023 Bill Analysis Guide.