Originally, I had hoped to write this column to be a positive outlook on our state’s future but apparently positivity can’t exist in Texas. Governor Greg Abbott recently passed into law a bill called the CROWN Act, which stands for Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair, that bans race-based hair discrimination.
I think this was a great bill to pass that tackles an unfair issue many people of color face in the work force.
Hairstyles do not determine one’s professionalism or ability to perform at their jobs, so this bill aimed at eliminating hair-based discrimination definitely helps combat against racism and bigotry many people can face at work.
When I heard the news of Abbott signing the bill into law, I was surprised he could actually do something that creates positive change in Texas. Unfortunately, just over a week later Abbott would also pass another law blocking transgender youth from accessing healthcare to assist with gender confirmation.
Many other Republican states have passed laws similar to this, so while Abbott is not the first it was disappointing to see him pass this bill.
Thousands of kids across Texas only want access to healthcare that can allow them to feel comfortable in their own skin.
While the right wing likes to sell the idea that allowing transgender youth access to puberty blockers leads to mental health issues later, other studies conducted have shown that early treatment is more beneficial.
It’s sad we live in a state in which officials like Abbott claim we must protect the children, but are quick to ban healthcare that is beneficial to them. Hopefully as the new electoral season slowly approaches, more and more Texans will realize how terrible Abbott is for our state and finally vote him out.
