Members of WV's House Judiciary Committee will soon consider a bill that would put important protections for countless Black West Virginians across the state in jeopardy. House Bill 2232 would force a city to hold an expensive, special municipal election to recall any city ordinance if only 15 percent of voters sign a petition. To show you how this bill would harm our community, let's look at the CROWN Act.

The CROWN Act protects against discrimination by adding to the West Virginia Human Rights Act traits commonly associated with race like hair texture and protective styles, including braids and twists. This particular type of discrimination is all too common for many Black people — particularly women — who often find their hair policed by dress codes in schools, in athletics, and in the workplace. Black women are 30 percent more likely to be made aware of workplace appearance policies. Black women are 80 percent more likely to change their hair style to “fit in” at the office.

The Legislature has yet to adopt the CROWN Act, but fortunately, city leaders across the state have stepped to adopt their own local protections. Four cities have adopted local versions of the CROWN Act so far, and we hope more cities follow in their footsteps. House Bill 2232 could put these local protections into jeopardy. It would also have a chilling effect on future cities from even considering these protections out of fear of facing an expensive, divisive referendum.

Use this form to quickly email the chairman of he House Judiciary Commitee and tell him to keep HB 2232 OFF THE AGENDA.