US Virgin Islands – The members of the Committee on Education and Workforce Development got introduced to a life changing piece of legislation introduced to them by primary sponsor and freshman lawmaker Senator Alma Francis Heyliger. This impactful legislation was a breath of fresh air and eye opening to many in attendance on Tuesday, November 23, 2021, at the Earle B. Ottley Legislative Hall on St. Thomas.
“This was a piece of legislation that I submitted at the early part of my term,” Francis Heyliger said proudly. “I am pleased to have it finally come forward to be heard.” That Legislation is Bill No. 34-0147 known as “The Virgin Islands Crown Act. (Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair) The Act seeks to amend the Virgin Islands Code title 10, chapter 1, sections 2 and 3 relating to discrimination on account of race to include discrimination based on hair texture and title 17, chapter 3 relating to education to enact “The Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair Act” or “The Virgin Islands Crown Act of 2021.
This nationally recognized movement was started in 2019 by Dove brand that co-founded the Crown Coalition to pass the Crown Act and eliminate discrimination. The Act is the first law to ban race-based hair discrimination at work and in schools. The law is currently law in 14 states which are:
The goal is to have all 50 states and all the U.S. territories adopt the Crown Act. Senator Francis Heyliger really did her homework that has garnered support from high powered nationally recognized individuals and impactful organizations. Some 85 organizations are involved in this movement and its success. Academy Award Winning Animated filmmaker Matthew Cherry and a student, Faith who experienced discrimination for wearing braids in her hair when she was in the sixth grade. They are both now spokespersons for the Dove Coalition.
Other groups such as the Delta Sigma Sorority, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha, the NCAAP and the National Urban League, Jack and Jill organization. Representative Ayanna Pressley(D-MA), Representative Leslie Herod(D-CO), Adjoah Asamoah, Founder and CEO of ABA Consulting, Denise Benjamin, Owner Miss Naturalization, Ammah Saleem, resident and Mr. and Mrs. Moorehead all weighed in the hearing.
The bill has advanced through the committee with a 4-2 vote and one absent. Senator Alma Francis Heyliger is not a member of the Committee but will have some amendments prepared before it goes to the Committee on Rules and Judiciary. Senators Kurt Vialet, Janelle Sarauw, Carla Joseph, Genevieve Whitaker, Donna Frett-Gregory, Alma Francis Heyliger and Milton Potter were in attendance. Senator Kenneth Gittens is still out due to his recovery from his diagnosed blood clots her suffered.