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A Resolution urging the Tennessee General Assembly to enact HB0204/SB0136, the CROWN Act.
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WHEREAS, Across the nation, states and local governments have enacted “Create a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair” or “CROWN” Acts; and
WHEREAS, the purpose of these laws are to prohibit discrimination based on hair style and hair texture. African Americans are the most impacted demographic when it comes to discrimination based on hair style and hair texture, although many other groups experience this discrimination as well; and
WHEREAS, hair style and hair texture are often used as a proxy for race, and as such, many workplace dress codes that contain grooming policies and define “professional” hairstyles disparately impact racial minorities; and
WHEREAS, HB0204/SB0136, introduced by Representative Karen Camper and Senator Raumesh Akbari, would enact Tennessee’s CROWN Act; and
WHEREAS, this bill passed the Tennessee Senate on May 3, 2021 and is currently pending before the Tennessee House; and
WHEREAS, TCA § 7-51-1802 provides that a local government can only impose anti-discrimination practices to the same extent as state anti-discrimination practices. Therefore, upon enaction of the CROWN Act, it is the intent of the Metropolitan Council to explore legislation to implement a CROWN Act at the Metropolitan Government level; and
WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Council supports the adoption of the CROWN Act to make Tennessee a more equitable place to live and work.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:
Section 1. The Metropolitan Council of Nashville and Davidson County hereby goes on record as urging the Tennessee General Assembly to enact HB0204/SB013, the CROWN Act, to Create a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair.
Section 2. The Metropolitan Clerk is directed to send a copy of this Resolution to Governor Bill Lee and each member of the Davidson County Delegation to the Tennessee General Assembly.
Section 3. That this Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.