This summer, California and New York outlawed dress codes or grooming policies that prohibit wearing afros, braids, twists, and other such hairstyles. These bills have been introduced in a wake of recent incidents where students and workers were discriminated against because of their hairstyles. Some of which include a New Jersey high schooler who was told to cut off his dreadlocks or forfeit his wrestling match, a Catholic school in Louisiana which sent home a student because her hair extensions were considered “unacceptable,” and a former Mississippi news anchor who alleges she was discriminated against for wearing her natural curls.

When signing the bill, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said, “For much of our nation’s history, people of color – particularly women – have been marginalized and discriminated against simply because of their hairstyle or texture.”

A recent study conducted by the Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair (CROWN) coalition reported that black women are 80 percent more likely to change their hair to conform to Eurocentric social norms. This is why many black women will often get their hair chemically straightened or wear wigs to hide their natural curls.

Many black Americans don’t feel they are able to wear their natural curls, and some are even told they aren’t allowed to wear hairstyles designed for their natural curls. Having to straighten their curls or wear a wig for job interviews is common for many to feel more confident against discrimination.

As California Governor Gavin Newsom signed the Crown Act into law, he said this was “long-overdue.” This law will empower black students and employees to feel confident expressing themselves by being able to choose to wear natural hairstyles.

Noliwe Rooks, a professor of African studies at Cornell University told USA Today that ever since the 1800’s, wearing black hairstyles was used as a political policing symbol for a black identity that doesn’t want to assimilate. Gov. Cuomo said, “We are taking an important step toward correcting that history and ensuring people of color are protected from all forms of discrimination.”