At the April 19th East Point City Council meeting, city leaders unanimously voted to adopt the East Point CROWN Act, which stands for “Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair.” The East Point CROWN Act prohibits natural hair discrimination based on hair style and hair texture in the workplace, when searching for a home and when entering a business within the City. Many natural hairstyles are commonly associated with race or ethnicity and include braids, cornrows, locs, Bantu knots, Afros, twists, and hair extensions.
“Our employees and residents have the right to wear natural hair styles without being denied access to opportunities within our City or experiencing any type of discrimination,” said Mayor Deana Holiday Ingraham. “As leaders in this City, we will not tolerate any form of discrimination. We will do all that we can to ensure fair, just, equitable and equal treatment of all employees, East Pointers and visitors.”
This legislation was brought before Mayor and Council by Ward A At-Large Councilwoman Sharon Shropshire to remove barriers to success and promote the health, safety and welfare of people in the City of East Point.
“This act is to protect residents and religious groups in East Point who have the right to wear their hair in any style or texture that reflects them,” said Councilwoman Sharon Shropshire. “Your hair should not subject you to separate and unequal treatment.”