Pressley Has Led Efforts in Congress to Enact
CROWN Act Federally

WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) issued the following statement applauding the enactment of the CROWN Act in Massachusetts. The legislation would ban in Massachusetts discrimination based on hair textures and hairstyles that are commonly associated with a particular race or national origin.

“For far too long, Black folks have been punished for the hair that grows on our heads and the way we move through and show up in this world—enough. I’m so proud to see the Commonwealth make history today by enacting the CROWN Act to ban race-based hair discrimination in Massachusetts. From our young students with braids to job applicants with locs, this law is meaningful protection for our natural hairstyles.

“I’m grateful to our advocates and State House partners who have been organizing for years to make this a reality. The U.S. House of Representatives passed the federal CROWN Act months ago—a bill I am proud to co-lead—and the U.S. Senate should pass this critical legislation without delay.”

Rep. Pressley, along with Reps. Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), Gwen Moore (WI-04), Barbara Lee (CA-13) and Ilhan Omar (MN-05), is a lead co-sponsor of the CROWN Act in Congress, which passed the U.S. House of Representatives in March.

Prior to the bill’s passage in the House, Rep. Pressley delivered an impassioned speech on the House floor in which she called for passage of the CROWN Act. A full transcript of her remarks is available here.

###