Whether it is conscious or unconscious, there can be a lot of negative perception around natural race-based hairstyles. In professional and educational settings, hair styles such as braids, cornrows, bantu knots, afros, and locks are often looked at as unprofessional or not appropriate.
For some, natural hair has a cultural significance, for others these natural hairstyles are necessary for the maintenance and protection of natural hair. Creating protections for these natural hairstyles would allow these individuals to represent their cultural heritage without discrimination.
The negativity surrounding race-based hairstyles can impact an individual’s self-esteem as well as hinder their ability to show up authentically to work or school. As a community, we can help protect these individuals through the CROWN Act (Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair). This law prohibits discrimination towards race-based hairstyles by extending statutory protection to hair texture and protective styles in the workplace and public schools.
In 2020, a Duke University study found that Black women with natural hairstyles were perceived to be less professional and competent as well as less likely to be recommended for job interviews over their white counterparts. In 2018, a 16-year-old wrestler in New Jersey was pressured by a referee to cut his dreadlocks prior to match participation. There are countless stories and videos of young school children being sent home because their braids or natural hair were a “distraction” in the classroom.
When I see these videos and read the articles, I can’t help but imagine that happening to myself. I see myself in those stories and have experienced the negative attention my own natural hair brings. Questions and comments such as “Is it real?” “Can I touch it?” and “Is that all your hair?” can damage a person’s self-worth. It implies that the hair you were born with doesn’t live up to society’s standards, so I decided I wanted to do something about it. I want to see the self-confidence of our youth blossom, and break down negative barriers surrounding natural hair.
I am proud to work with Utah state Sen. Derek Kitchen, who has taken the lead to get Senate Bill 80, a Utah version of the CROWN Act passed here in Utah. I would love to create more awareness around the issues that surround natural race based hair styles in our state. I want to start a conversation of encouragement in our communities for more individuals to embrace their natural hair journey and spread a message of support for others’ unique differences.
We have started a change.org petition to bring awareness and start the conversation. I encourage you to sign the petition and educate yourself around natural race based hair discrimination. Together we can make a positive change right here in Utah. Let’s build a community based on unity, love and overall acceptance of one another.
Tanisha McRae
Tanisha McRae, Eden, is a lifelong resident of Utah. She and her husband have a small homestead, where they homeschool their six children, garden, raise chickens, ducks and rabbits and ride horses.