French Parliament’s Commitment to Eradicating Hair Discrimination
France has taken a significant stride towards outlawing discrimination in workplaces based on hairstyles. The National Assembly has given its nod to a bill that will now undergo discussion in the Senate. Should it become law, it will prevent employers from imposing grooming standards that mandate hair straightening or hiding natural hairstyles like afros, dreadlocks, and braids.
Though the legislation primarily aims to address discrimination faced by black individuals, it extends protection to everyone, including those with blonde or red hair, as well as bald individuals who have encountered bias due to their hair. Olivier Serva, the bill’s author and an MP from Guadeloupe, emphasized the importance of combating discrimination against individuals who do not conform to traditional Eurocentric beauty norms.
The proposal comes in response to troubling statistics, such as a study indicating that one-fourth of black women reported being turned down for jobs due to their hairstyle during interviews. Critics argue that existing French law already prohibits the collection of personal data based on race or ethnicity, citing the country’s commitment to “universalist” principles. However, anti-racism advocates argue that the bill’s failure to explicitly address racism is problematic, given the prevalence of negative comments and discrimination faced by individuals with natural hair, particularly black women.
Social anthropologist Daphne Bedinade stressed the need to recognize the broader issues faced by those targeted for their hair, emphasizing that hair discrimination disproportionately impacts black individuals. Journalist Guylaine Conquet shared her experience of pressure to conform to norms of straightened hair in the workplace, highlighting the challenges faced by those embracing their natural hair.
The significance of the bill is underscored by past legal battles, including that of Aboubakar Traoré, a black Air France crew member who fought for a decade to wear braided hair on flights. While the court ruled in his favor based on gender discrimination, the case sheds light on the broader issue of bias related to hairstyles in France’s workplaces.
In conclusion, France’s move to address discrimination based on hairstyles reflects a growing awareness of the need to promote diversity and inclusion in society and workplaces. If enacted, the bill has the potential to create a more equitable environment for individuals of all backgrounds and hair types.
