More Than Beauty: Anti-Discrimination and the Politics of Hair

This Kirwan Biweekly Forum, cosponsored by The Women's Place, addresses the legal, economic, and historical implications of Black styles of self-presentation, including wearing natural hair. Whether at school or work, Black people often are penalized for wearing cultural hairstyles such as Afros, locs or braids. Biases against these styles can contribute to disparities in hiring, school discipline and suspension, health, and student participation in extracurricular activities.

To prohibit hair discrimination, the Columbus City Council recently passed the CROWN ACT (Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair). Learn more about how hairstyles effect more than beauty and how we can do more to promote racial equity.

Moderated by Dr. Andrea Williams, director of The Women's Place and Ohio State associate professor in the Department of English, the panel discussion includes:

Karen Beard | Educational Studies, Ohio State

Jasmine Nichole Cobb | African American Studies, Duke University

Courtney Johnson | Ohio State Office of Institutional Equity  

Priscilla Tyson |  Columbus City Council