Photo Credit: Gary John Norman
Puerto Rico’s governor, Pedro Pierluisi, signed a new law prohibiting discrimination against people wearing Afros, curls, locs, twists, braids, and other natural hairstyles.
The Associated Press reports that this move was made to protect citizens from discrimination in work, housing, education, and public services.
Citizens in the racially diverse U.S. territory celebrated progress after several organizations have pushed for the law.
Welmo Romero Joseph, a community facilitator for the non-profit Taller Salud, said, “It’s a victory for generations to come.”
We know that’s right! He believes this sends an uplifting message that “you can reach positions of power without having to change your identity.”
Although Title VII of the Civil Rights Act protects against discrimination, along with Puerto Rico’s laws and constitution, the table was shaken in 2016 when a Court of Appeals dismissed a hair discrimination lawsuit. An Alabama employer’s no-dreadlock policy was ruled legal.
Puerto Rican legislators held a public hearing earlier this year. Several citizens explained how they faced hair discrimination. They described employers who refused to hire folks with natural hair.
Romero recalled a high school principal demanding that he cut his flat top off that “was a source of pride.” He explained that he was a stellar student with a “4.0” GPA and that his hairstyle should have been irrelevant.
The Caribbean island has a population of 3.2 million, with 230,000 identifying solely as Black. According to the new law, they still “face derogatory treatment.” Additionally, 1.6 million people identify as being of two or more races. So, one could imagine the diverse hair textures of the citizens!
Romero, in particular, is reportedly grateful for the law. However, he says officials should take measures to ensure the legislation has an effect, per AP.
AP staff Dánica Coto contributed to this article.
