Audrey Dorante, History, East Mecklenburg High School
Synopsis
Due to social media, I have seen a significant increase in the number of people who have faced discrimination based on their hair and it’s quite bothersome. This unit will focus on discrimination in school and in the workplace based on hair textures and hairstyles. Afro-textured hair and protective hairstyles such as braids, faux locs and elaborate hairstyles are often seen, by some as unattractive or unprofessional. People often negatively stereotype others based on the way they wear their hair. Too often, people with afro-textured hair use harsh and dangerous chemicals to assimilate to their peers. Over the last few years, there has been a push to change this narrative and to ensure that people are not being discriminated against based on their hair. Some state and local governments have pushed initiatives to prevent this from occurring and/or face consequences if it does. In this unit, we will look at how this discrimination occurs and that
there is so much work that needs to be done to eliminate this type of stereotyping. I also want to look at how the law and the courts’ opinions have changed regarding this issue.
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