World Afro Day seeks formal policy from UK Parliament to tackle hair discrimination.
The campaign, which took place on September 15th, 2024, highlighted the ongoing issue of Afro hair discrimination in schools and workplaces, calling on policymakers to tackle this form of racial bias through legislation.
Michelle De Leon, the founder of World Afro Day, emphasized the need for clear, enforceable policies that safeguard individuals, particularly Black students and professionals, from being penalized or stigmatized for wearing their natural Afro-textured hair. Stories of students facing discipline or exclusion from school due to hairstyles like braids, dreadlocks, and Afros have brought renewed attention to this issue, sparking conversations about the deeper implications of systemic racism.
During the event, several speakers, including legal experts, activists, and politicians, voiced their support for anti-hair discrimination laws. They argued that such policies would provide legal protection for individuals facing hair-based discrimination and promote greater inclusivity across society.
The UK Equality Act (2010) does not explicitly address hair discrimination, although it does cover racial discrimination more broadly. Advocates of this movement believe that incorporating hair-specific protections would ensure that all individuals, particularly those with Afro-textured hair, are treated fairly in educational and professional environments.
This year’s World Afro Day has not only been a celebration of Afro hair but a pivotal moment in pushing for systemic change in the UK. The campaign aims to ensure that hair discrimination becomes a recognized and prohibited form of racial injustice, paving the way for a more inclusive society that celebrates diversity.
