Senate Republicans Block Passage of CROWN Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. (December 14, 2022) — Today, Senate Republicans blocked passage of the CROWN Act, which passed the House earlier this year. The CROWN Act bans hair discrimination, including discrimination against natural Black hair. Specifically, the bill prohibits this type of discrimination against those participating in federally assisted programs, housing programs, public accommodations, and employment. Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) reintroduced the CROWN Act in 2021. 

Despite bipartisan, bicameral support, the CROWN Act did not garner support from enough Republican Senators to override a filibuster. Following the bill’s failure to pass the Senate, Congresswoman Watson Coleman issued this statement: 

“The Senate continues to stand in the way of progress for our country. Republicans’ obstruction of the CROWN Act is part of a long tradition of weaponizing the filibuster to block civil rights legislation. 

“When the CROWN Act was first introduced during the 116th Congress, it passed the House by voice vote without objection. When I reintroduced it last year, it passed the House once again, despite the Republican efforts to delay it. In both instances, Republican Senators stood in the way of the bill’s passage. 

“It saddens and angers me that, in the year 2022, something as simple as opposing racial discrimination has become controversial. My colleagues across the aisle were presented with an opportunity to stand united against discrimination. They chose instead to give in to the climate of division and hyper-partisanship.  

“Our fight is far from over. Today, I am disappointed, but not defeated. I remain steadfast in my commitment to protecting all Americans’ right to exist as their authentic selves.”