The CROWN Act was created in 2019 by Dove and the CROWN Coalition, in partnership with then State Senator Holly J. Mitchell of California,  to ensure protection against discrimination based on race-based hairstyles by extending statutory protection to hair texture and protective styles such as braids, locs, twists, and knots in the workplace and public schools.

The CROWN Act, which stands for “Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair,” is a law that prohibits race-based hair discrimination, which is the denial of employment and educational opportunities because of hair texture or protective hairstyles including braids, locs, twists or bantu knots.

Darryl George, a high school teen, faced punishment from his Texas school and district because they claimed his hair violated their policies.  Texas state district judge Chap Cain III  ruled on Daryll George’s case that not only was the decision fair but lawful.  Judge Cain followed the existing laws and regulations and made zero exceptions as he said that “courts must not attempt to rewrite the legislation.” Judge Cain who ruled in favor of the district that took Junior Daryll George to court revealed that the Texas school district did not violate The CROWN Act, but instead the student violated their school policy. The Texas district school policy states that a student’s hair must not extend beyond the shirt collar, eyebrows, or earlobes. Judge Cain’s decision was unbiased and impartial, as he based it solely on the law, not on racial considerations.

My firsthand experience at Hoover High School echoes this sentiment; the staff respects our rights as students when it comes to school policies and enforces the dress code fairly. On any given day, one can find attire like tank tops, ripped jeans, open toed shoes on both can find both male and female students without facing discrimination or punishment. Personally, I’ve worn tank tops and ripped jeans to school without facing any sort of repercussion or punishment.  As of now, I haven’t seen any restrictions on hair styles. Hoover does not impose any restrictions on hair styles, and students are free to do whatever they like with their hair. This allows Hoover students to freely express themselves without having to stay within the limits of a length or hairstyle. Hoover staff approaches the rights and self expression of students with respect, really setting itself apart from other schools.