ATLANTA – State Representative Kim Schofield (D-Atlanta) commends the Fulton County Board of Commissioners for the local passage of the “Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair” (CROWN) Act. Rep. Schofield urges the Georgia General Assembly to pass Senate Bill 82, the CROWN Act, to prohibit discrimination against natural hair.
“I am thankful to Chairman Rob Pitts, Commissioner Natalie Hall and all of the Fulton County commissioners for creating a space where a person’s authenticity is valued and respected,” said Rep. Schofield. “We know that to deny the texture of our hair is equivalent to denying our heritage. We are citizens representing every profession and wear our natural hair with pride, as it speaks to the core of who we are. Diversity, equity and inclusion of natural hair in Fulton County and across the state should be a priority.”
The Fulton County Board of Commissioners’ version of the CROWN Act is an anti-discrimination ordinance which makes it illegal for the Fulton County government to discriminate based on cultural hair textures and hairstyles. This local ordinance was introduced by Commissioner Natalie Hall.
“Fulton County is committed to nondiscrimination and equal opportunity for all citizens,” said Commissioner Hall. “Today we made history by passing legislation implementing the Crown Act in unincorporated Fulton County and for our county employees. I’m grateful for the support of the resolution and ordinance that I sponsored at the urging of State Representative Kim Schofield. Race based discrimination has no place in Fulton County, and individuals should not fear discrimination because of the natural state of their hair. This is a significant step toward eliminating unfair and inequitable treatment of residents who represent a different race or origin, and we urge our state lawmakers and municipalities to support our residents and pass the Crown Act.”
Representative Kim Schofield represents the citizens of District 63, which includes portions of Fulton County. She was elected to the House of Representatives in 2017 and currently serves as the Secretary of the Urban Affairs Committee. She also serves on the Creative Arts & Entertainment, Health, Interstate Cooperation and Small Business Development committees.
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