FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACTS:     

Stefanie Harrington, (202) 615-6558, [email protected]
Tesia Williams (202) 297-1232 [email protected]

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.