2.27.25 – APFA Proudly Endorses the CROWN Act

APFA Proudly Endorses the CROWN Act

Thursday, February 27, 2025

Yesterday, U.S House Representative Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ-12) and Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) introduced the Create a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair Act – the CROWN Act – into the 119th Congress. This bill would prohibit race-based hair discrimination at the federal level. With the continued fight for diversity, equity, and inclusion in the airline industry, our Union firmly believes that an individual’s employment or educational opportunities should NOT be limited due to their hair texture or style. APFA stands firmly behind this bill. Press Release from Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman

“We cannot control the way our hair grows out of our head any more than we can control the color of our skin,” said Rep. Watson Coleman. “Discrimination against hair texture is racial discrimination, plain and simple. Nobody deserves to be denied the opportunity to thrive in the workplace, excel in school, or contribute their talents to the world simply because of their hair. I’m proud to reintroduce this legislation with my House colleagues and Senator Booker. I strongly encourage House leadership to take up this bill, which has passed in 27 states, led by both Republican and Democratic governments.”

“For many African Americans our hair has been a source of both pride and sorrow – pride in its resilience, its key role in the history of our ancestors, and the multitude of textures; sorrow in that it never conforms to European Centric standards of beauty. It is this nonconformity that often leads to feelings of shame. The CROWN Act shows women and girls alike that their beautiful bouncy curls are just as acceptable for formal events and professional environments as straightened hair is.” – APFA DEI Committee Representatives

The CROWN Act was first introduced and created in 2019. While it has yet to pass at the federal level, it has passed in 27 states and numerous cities nationwide. The fight to end race-based hair discrimination must continue as minorities still face hair discrimination and/or microaggressions daily.

• Currently nearly HALF (44%) of Black women under the age 34 feel pressured to have a headshot with straight hair.
• Over 20% of Black women (age 25-34) have been sent home from work because of their hair.

“As an advocate for equality and fairness in all aspects of society, APFA proudly endorses the CROWN Act, or the Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair Act. The CROWN Act aims to end race-based discrimination because of hair texture or protective hairstyles. While already passed in some states and municipalities, the bill would provide critical federal-level protection for individuals who might otherwise be judged or penalized based on their natural hair texture or style.

Flight Attendants, like all individuals, deserve a work environment free from bias and discrimination. APFA commends Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman, representing the 12th district of New Jersey, for introducing the CROWN Act and we look forward to advocating for its passage. Together, we can work towards a future where everyone, regardless of their hairstyle, can feel valued, respected, and accepted in both the workplace and beyond.” – Julie Hedrick, APFA National President

While historically the Flight Attendant profession was tied to image standards, our career as safety professionals has evolved. This is why legislation like the CROWN Act is necessary to keep us moving forward. APFA thanks Representative Bonnie Coleman Watson, Senator Cory Booker, and the many co-sponsors of this bill for reaffirming that natural hair belongs everywhere.

This month, Rep. Nikema Williams (D-GA-05) also introduced House Resolution 151 to designate February 16, 2025 as “International Black Aviation Professionals Day” in recognition of the many contributions and milestones in the aviation industry, from Charles Frederick Page’s Airship invention in 1906 to the first all-female Black crew that operated a commercial flight from ATL to BNA on Atlantic Southeast Airlines in 2009.

In Solidarity,

Jamie Marshall
Ondrea Wallace
Anya Washington
APFA Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee Representatives
[email protected]

Allie Malis
Lori Vitto-Glattly
APFA Government Affairs Representatives
[email protected]