CHICAGO – State Senator Mattie Hunter released the following statement after The CROWN Act failed to pass on the federal level:

“As the lead sponsor for the CROWN Act in Illinois, I am extremely disappointed that the U.S. Senate did not see fit to pass this bill. It’s shameful that the federal government is being insensitive to Black American culture and our naturally grown hair.

“Many of us still face discrimination over the way we wear our hair, and studies have proven it to be a systemic disadvantage for Black Americans in professional and educational spaces.

“Illinois has outlawed this petty discrimination, and it will go into effect Jan. 1. I am frustrated that our nation cannot do the same.”