Natural Hairstyles are Still Banned in N.Y. City Catholic Schools

African American people continue to be marginalized and discriminated against in America for their hairstyle and hair texture.  This, despite laws such as the newly enacted anti-discriminatory, Crown Act law in New York, that bans discrimination based on natural hair. Catholic Schools can claim exemption from city and state laws based on the following statute:

“Nothing in this article shall … apply to private, religious or denominational educational institutions,” reads a caveat in New York State’s Dignity for All Students Act, and New York City Human Rights law also exempt any “religious corporation incorporated under the education law…”

Based on this exemption, several New York Catholic schools will not permit natural hairstyles, mainly worn by black males, to be worn at school. These schools perceive natural hairstyles, such as braids or cornrows as a fad or trend.

Further, a spokesman for the Archdiocese, contends that any parent who agrees to send their child to any NYC Catholic school agrees to “adhere to the terms of the school’s handbook, Catholic School, which will include guidelines on hair, wardrobe and personal conduct.”