Reso. No. XX-24
RESOLUTION NO. _____
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND,
CALIFORNIA, TO RECOGNIZE THE CROWN ACT AND REVIEW AND UPDATE
CITY POLICIES GOVERNING WORKPLACE APPEARANCE TO ALIGN WITH THE CITY’S ANTI-HARASSMENT POLICY’S DEFINITION OF RAISE TO INCLUDE
PROTECTED HAIRSTYLES
WHEREAS, the history of our nation is riddled with laws and societal norms that equated “blackness,” and the associated physical traits, for example, dark skin, kinky, and curly hair to a badge of inferiority, and subject to separate and unequal treatment; and WHEREAS, this idea has permeated societal understanding of professionalism was, and still is, closely linked to European features and mannerisms. Which entails that those who do not naturally fall into Eurocentric norms must alter their appearances, sometimes drastically and permanently, to be deemed professional; and
WHEREAS, federal courts accept that Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits discrimination based on race, and therefore protects against discrimination against afros; and WHEREAS, research studies reveal that racial discrimination based on hairstyles can start as early as five years old with impacts that can last a lifetime; and WHEREAS, race-based hair discrimination remains a systemic problem in the workplace – from hiring practices to daily workplace interactions that disproportionately impact Black women’s employment opportunities and professional advancement with serious economic and health consequences; and
WHEREAS, workplace dress code and grooming policies that prohibit natural hair, including afros, braids, twists, and locs, have a disparate impact on Black individuals as these policies are more likely to deter Black applicants and burden or punish Black employees than any other group; and
WHEREAS , Black women with coily and textured hair are two times as likely to experience microaggressions in the workplace than Black women with straighter hair and two and a half times more likely to be perceived as unprofessional; and WHEREAS , Black women under age 34 feel pressured to have a headshot with straight hair and approximately 66 percent of Black women change their hair for a job interview. Among them, 41 percent changed their hair from curly to straight and 54 percent are more likely to feel like they have to wear their hair straight to a job interview to be successful; and WHEREAS , over 20 percent of Black women 25-34 have been sent home from work because of their hair. 25 percent of Black women believe they have been denied a job interview because of their hair, which is even higher for women under 34; and WHEREAS, in 2019 the Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair (CROWN) Coalition and Dove, in partnership with then State Senator Holly J. Mitchell of California, created the CROWN ACT to ensure protection against discrimination based on race-based hairstyles by extending statutory protection to hair textures and protective styles such as braids, locs, twists, and Bantu knots in the workplace and public schools; and WHEREAS, the City of Richmond acknowledges the CROWN Act and understands that it prohibits race-based hair discrimination and will be in full compliance with the intent of the Act.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Richmond as follows, will review and update the policies governing workplace appearance to align with the City's anti-harassment policy's definition of Race to include protected hairstyles.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, to include as a part of the Race Equity Initiative, educating the workforce about the CROWN Act, to bolster acceptance and to break away from European Reso. No. XX-24
norms and features, as we celebrate the unique beauty of every CROWN that embraces and uplifts all.
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I certify that the foregoing resolution was passed and adopted by the Council of the City of Richmond at a regular meeting thereof held Insert Date, by the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTENTIONS:
ABSENT:
PAMELA CHRISTIAN
CLERK OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND
(SEAL)
Approved:
Mayor
Approved as to form:
City Attorney
State of California }
County of Contra Costa : ss.
City of Richmond }
I certify that the foregoing is a true copy of Resolution No. XX, finally passed and adopted by the Council of the City of Richmond at a regular meeting held on INSERT DATE ADOPTED.
Pamela Christian, Clerk of the City of Richmond