Statement by the Personal Care Products Council on Federal Legislation, the Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair (CROWN) Act


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACTS:     

Lisa Powers, (202) 297-1232, powersl@personalcarecouncil.org 
Stefanie Harrington, (202) 615-6558, harringtons@personalcarecouncil.org
Jamie Kurke, (202) 258-5285, kurkej@personalcarecouncil.org

Washington, D.C. – “The Personal Care Products Council (PCPC) applauds the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate on the reintroduction of the Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair (CROWN) Act of 2021. The CROWN Act seeks to prevent discrimination based on characteristics such as hair texture and styles, particularly those common in the Black community. It specifically recognizes that Black individuals are disparately impacted and excluded from some workplaces based on hair discrimination. As such, the CROWN Act amends definitions of ‘race’ to include those traits historically associated with race, including hair texture and protective hairstyles like ‘braids, locks and twists.’ 

“With a deep-rooted commitment to diversity, PCPC has long supported the CROWN Coalition’s mission to advance anti-discrimination legislation across the United States and actively supported passage of similar legislation in seven states. While progress has been made within the industry, we know there is much more work to do in addressing diversity.

“Legislation such as this creates a clear link between natural hair and race and broadens the scope of protections to prevent more subtle forms of bias that may be found in the workplace. Grooming and dress are an important part of culture and society and should be fully embraced and respected.  

“We are very appreciative to Representatives Bonnie Watson Coleman, Barbara Lee, Gwen Moore, Ilhan Omar and Ayanna Pressley, and Senator Cory Booker for their leadership and urge the House and Senate to pass this critical legislation as quickly as possible.”

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Based in Washington, D.C., the Personal Care Products Council (PCPC) is the leading national trade association representing global cosmetics and personal care products companies. Founded in 1894, PCPC’s 600 member companies manufacture, distribute and supply the vast majority of finished personal care products marketed in the U.S. As the makers of a diverse range of products millions of consumers rely on and trust every day – from sunscreens, toothpaste and shampoo to moisturizer, makeup and fragrance – personal care products companies are global leaders committed to product safety, quality and innovation.

Standing Stronger and Better Together


By Louanne Roark
Executive Director
Look Good Feel Better Foundation

International Women’s Day marks a moment in time to reflect and to celebrate how women continue to shape and transform our world. As an organization led by women to serve women – with the support of an industry where nearly 77% of the workforce is women – the Look Good Feel Better Foundation (LGFB) is a microcosm of what can be.

Of the 27 LGFB global affiliates, 24 are led by female executive directors – myself included. Women lead all aspects of our LGFB operation in the U.S. – from technology deployment to partnership management, program development to delivery. The vast majority of our network of more than 3,000 professional beauty volunteers are women, many of whom are enterprising entrepreneurs and business owners. 

LGFB has helped 2.1 million women around the world regain their confidence in the midst of cancer treatment. Numbers are impressive, but they don’t tell the whole story. Every level of our organization is fueled by passion and collaboration, shared values and experiences. For more than 30 years, we – and our global LGFB affiliates – have maintained an unwavering commitment to stand strong alongside other women as they endure the greatest challenge many will ever face.   

LGFB’s bedrock philosophy is to transform crisis into community. We built our program to provide a safe space for women to connect and share, and to provide the tools, knowledge and products to help them regain a sense of control and restore some normalcy at a time in their lives that is by no means normal.

When the pandemic changed the rules of how we operate as an organization, our teams responded. With in-person workshops simply not feasible in the midst of COVID-19, we rapidly expanded our capacity to reach and connect women virtually.

Today, 90% of LGFB global affiliates – representing 24 countries – feature enhanced virtual programming or online resources to serve patients. Women around the world can still find comfort, support and community through LGFB during a time when they feel more isolated and more vulnerable than ever before because of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

I am excited about the future of LGFB and our industry. I see emerging leaders from within our ranks, like our recently appointed Personal Care Products Council (PCPC) and Look Good Feel Better Foundation Chair Keech Combe Shetty. Keech is fueled by purpose and desire. She is eager to share new perspectives, explore new approaches and solutions to the challenges we face today, and anticipate what may come.

“Our industry is made by women for women. We have the opportunity to step up and do even more to support each other.”

Keech Combe Shetty
Executive Chair, Combe Inc.
PCPC and LGFB Chair

I am inspired by our BeautyCares Next Gen committee supporting our annual DreamBall event and by the visionary young women representing the next generation of beauty industry leaders.  Inside the Look Good Feel Better organization itself, an infusion of strong, young, female talent helped us navigate a challenging 2020 and evolve into a more digital, connected and nimble organization than ever before. These young leaders have a new vision of what’s possible and necessary to create a more vibrant, equitable and inclusive industry. Let us all step up to support that talent, passion and vision.

At the same time, there is an important opportunity to instill in a new generation the understanding that, despite being fierce market competitors, our industry shares a common mission. Cancer is indiscriminate. It doesn’t choose who to affect or when to strike. It recognizes no political boundaries or philosophies. It does not care about education, skin color, culture or economic circumstance. The women we serve are our mothers, grandmothers, aunts and sisters, our friends and colleagues from every walk of life. LGFB is there for them all.

Our strength and shared mission are women helping other women in the midst of a frightening health diagnosis by lifting one another up, helping all to feel confident and more beautiful inside and out. Standing stronger and better together.