Assemblywoman Angela McKnight (D-Hudson) issued the following statement Wednesday in response to House Republicans blocking the passage of the Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair or CROWN Act:
“It’s disappointing House Republicans chose to oppose legislation that would offer people of color protection from discrimination.
“Far too many African-Americans face discrimination at work or school for honoring their cultural identity by wearing their hair in braids, twists, dreadlocks or embracing their natural curls. It is unbelievable and, frankly, unacceptable that so many Americans still face prejudice and discrimination because of their hair.
“Our work to put an end to racial biases is far from over. We must create an America where everyone, regardless of race, has the freedom to honor their culture with dignity and without fear of prejudice.”