Puerto Rico Enacts Law Against Hairstyle Discrimination

In a significant move towards racial equality, Puerto Rico's governor has enacted a law prohibiting discrimination based on hairstyles such as Afros, curls, locs, twists, and braids. This legislation, celebrated by advocates and community leaders, aims to provide explicit protections in employment, housing, education, and public services for individuals with these hairstyles. Welmo Romero Joseph, a community facilitator with Taller Salud, emphasized the law's importance, stating it empowers individuals to embrace their identity without fear of discrimination. Despite existing protections under Puerto Rico's laws and the Civil Rights Act, a 2016 court ruling highlighted gaps in enforcement, as it dismissed a discrimination case involving a no-dreadlock policy in Alabama. Romero shared his personal experience of being pressured to alter his hairstyle in high school, underscoring the ongoing challenges faced by Black and Afro-descendant individuals in Puerto Rico, who often encounter marginalization and exclusion. While the new law is a step forward, Romero cautioned that effective implementation and enforcement are crucial to its success. The CROWN Act, which stands for "Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair," has been adopted in at least two dozen U.S. states, addressing similar issues of race-based hair discrimination. However, inconsistencies remain, as some states have not fully amended their education codes to protect students, and a federal version of the CROWN Act has yet to pass the Senate. As Puerto Rico joins the movement against hair discrimination, advocates hope this law will inspire broader changes and foster a more inclusive society.