2022: Fitzpatrick Voted To Prohibit The Denial Of Benefits To An
Individual Under A Program Receiving Federal Funds, Including Housing,
Public Accommodations And Employment, Based On The Individual's Hair
Texture Or Style. In March 2022, according to Congressional Quarterly,
Fitzpatrick voted for the Creating a Respectful and Open World for
Natural Hair Act of 2022, which would "prohibit the exclusion of or
denial of benefits to an individual under any program receiving federal
financial assistance -- including housing programs, public
accommodations and employment -- based on that individual's hair
texture or hairstyle, if it is commonly associated with a particular
race or national origin." The vote was on passage. The House passed the
bill by a vote of 235-189. [House Vote 82,
3/18/22; Congressional
Quarterly, 3/18/22;
Congressional Actions, H.R.
2116]
The Bill Would Establish Protections Against Discrimination Based
On Hair Texture And Protective Styles, Such As Locs, Cornrows,
Twists, Braids, Bantu Knots And Afros. According to CNN, "The bill
would protect against bias based on hair texture and protective
styles, including locs, cornrows, twists, braids, Bantu knots and
Afros." [CNN,
4/30/22]
The Bill Would Prohibit "Race-Based Hair Discrimination In
Employment" And For Individuals Participating In Federally-Assisted
Programs, Including Housing And Public Accommodations. According
to CNN, "The bill being considered in Congress would ban race-based
hair discrimination in employment and for those participating in
federally assisted programs, housing programs, and public
accommodations." [CNN,
4/30/22]
Supporters Of The Bill Argued It Would Prevent A Trend Across The
Nation, In Which Black Students Increasingly Have Reported They Were
Punished For Their Hairstyles. According to CNN, "Supporters of
the CROWN Act say it would prevent against a larger trend across the
US, with more and more Black students saying they were being
penalized for their hairstyles." [CNN,
4/30/22]
Republican Opponents Of The Bill Claimed Federal Law Was
Sufficient In Combatting Hairstyle Discrimination. According to
CNN, "Republican opponents of the legislation have said that federal
law already covers this kind of discrimination and that Democrats
should be focusing on other issues, such as inflation and high gas
prices." [CNN,
4/30/22]
2022: Fitzpatrick Effectively Voted Against The Creating A Respectful
And Open World For Natural Hair (CROWN) Act Of 2022. In March 2022,
according to Congressional Quarterly, Fitzpatrick voted against the
"adoption of the rule (H Res 979) that would provide for floor
consideration of [...] the Creating a Respectful and Open World for
Natural Hair (CROWN) Act (HR 2116). The rule would provide up to one
hour of debate on each bill." The vote was on the adoption of the rule.
The House adopted the rule by a vote of 219-207. [House Vote 74,
3/16/22; Congressional
Quarterly, 3/16/22;
Congressional Actions, H.R.
2116;
Congressional Actions, H.Res.
979]
2022: Fitzpatrick Effectively Voted Against The Creating A Respectful
And Open World For Natural Hair (CROWN) Act Of 2022. In March 2022,
according to Congressional Quarterly, Fitzpatrick voted against the
"motion to order the previous question (thus ending debate and
possibility of amendment) on the rule (H Res 979) that would provide for
floor consideration of [...] the Creating a Respectful and Open World
for Natural Hair (CROWN) Act (HR 2116). The rule would provide up to one
hour of debate on each bill." The vote was on a motion to order the
previous question. The House agreed to the motion by a vote of 219-204.
[House Vote 73, 3/16/22;
Congressional Quarterly,
3/16/22; Congressional Actions,
H.R.
2116;
Congressional Actions, H.Res.
979]
2022: Fitzpatrick Voted To Prohibit The Denial Of Benefits To An
Individual Under A Program Receiving Federal Funds, Including Housing,
Public Accommodations And Employment, Based On The Individual's Hair
Texture Or Style. In February 2022, according to Congressional
Quarterly, Fitzpatrick voted for the Creating a Respectful and Open
World for Natural Hair Act of 2022, which would "prohibit the exclusion
of or denial of benefits to an individual under any program receiving
federal financial assistance -- including housing programs, public
accommodations and employment -- based on that individual's hair
texture or hairstyle, if it is commonly associated with a particular
race or national origin." The vote was on passage. The House lacked a
2/3 majority and rejected the bill by a vote of 235-188. [House Vote
48, 2/28/22;
Congressional Quarterly,
2/28/22; Congressional Actions,
H.R.
2116]