School Board approves Crown Act Resolution promoting natural hair in professional settings

The Durham Public Schools Board of Education convened on February 21, 2025, to discuss and pass the Crown Act Resolution, a significant step towards promoting inclusivity and acceptance of natural hairstyles in professional settings. The resolution was moved by board member Miss Harold Gough and seconded by Miss Umstead, receiving unanimous support from the board.

During the meeting, Miss Umstead expressed gratitude for the resolution, acknowledging its origins with former board member Jovania Lewis. She emphasized the importance of representation, sharing a story about a young girl who felt empowered to embrace her natural hair after seeing a role model in a professional environment. This sentiment was echoed by other board members, who highlighted the resolution's broader impact on students and the community.

The Crown Act aims to create a more inclusive atmosphere for students and staff, allowing individuals to wear their natural hair without fear of discrimination. Board members praised the efforts of the DPS Crown Act planning committee, which has been working on this initiative since the previous year.

The resolution passed with a vote of six to zero, marking a significant milestone for the district. The board encouraged the community to look forward to upcoming activities related to the Crown Act, reinforcing the commitment to celebrating diversity and authenticity within the school environment.