Home News Puerto Rico’s Governor Pierluisi Takes Stand Against Hair Discrimination with New Law

Puerto Rico’s Governor Pierluisi Takes Stand Against Hair Discrimination with New Law

Puerto Rico’s Governor Pierluisi Takes Stand Against Hair Discrimination with New Law

Puerto Rico has taken a significant step towards embracing and protecting the diverse cultural identities of its citizens. Governor Pierluisi signed a landmark law prohibiting discrimination against individuals wearing natural hairstyles such as Afros, curls, locs, twists, and braids.  

Governor Pierluisi Makes an Effort to Protect the Diversity in Puerto Rico

This law represents a victory for advocates who have long called for explicit protections in employment, housing, education, and public services. The move resonates deeply within a territory where more than 1.6 million people identify as being of two or more races and nearly 230,000 solely as Black, according to the U.S. Census. 

The legislation sends a powerful message that individuals can maintain their cultural and racial identity while achieving positions of power. This new law aims to dismantle such biases, ensuring that personal appearance does not hinder one’s opportunities or professional trajectory. 

Puerto Rico’s laws and constitution have historically protected against discrimination, bolstered by Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. However, a 2016 U.S. Court of Appeals decision set a troubling precedent by ruling that an employer’s no-dreadlock policy in Alabama did not violate Title VII. This new law addresses such loopholes, providing clearer protection for individuals with natural hairstyles. 

Public hearings earlier this year highlighted numerous instances of discrimination, including job offers contingent upon haircuts, underscoring the need for this legislative change.  

What’s Going on in the Mainland?

On the U.S. mainland, at least two dozen states have enacted versions of the CROWN Act, which aims to ban race-based hair discrimination. Texas is among these states, having recently dealt with a high-profile case where a Black high school student was suspended for his dreadlocks, which allegedly violated the school dress code. The Economic Policy Institute reported in March that not all states have updated their education codes to protect students, allowing exceptions to the CROWN Act in some regions. 

Efforts to pass a federal version of the CROWN Act have seen partial success. While the U.S. House of Representatives passed the act in 2022, it did not advance in the Senate. Nevertheless, Democratic lawmakers reintroduced the legislation in May, continuing the push for nationwide protections against hair discrimination. 

This new law in Puerto Rico stands as a testament to the island’s commitment to equality and respect for cultural diversity. It is a pivotal moment for the territory, reinforcing that identity and professional success can coexist without compromise. The legislation not only safeguards individuals’ rights but also promotes a more inclusive and respectful society. 

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