Abstract

Excerpted From: Joseline Jean-Louis Hardrick, Locs, Law & Liberation - An Examination of the Crown Act and Racialized Notions of Professionalism, 19 Southern Journal of Policy and Justice 119 (May, 2025) (84 Footnotes) (Full Document Requested)

What is the big deal with Black women and their hair? That is a thought that likely crossed your mind when you read the title of this article. Although I understand that “I am not my hair,” as India Arie beautifully sang after she cut off her dreadlocked hair, and I know that hair does not define me; the bottom line is -- it's complicated. So, let us start at the beginning.

Growing up, I was always fascinated by the diversity and beauty of Black hair. Each hairstyle told a story, symbolized a culture, and represented a unique form of self-expression. One day, I saw a woman with “Sisterlocks®” for the first time. The intricate, delicate, and versatile nature of the Sisterlocks® struck me deeply. They seemed to flow naturally, with each one beautifully formed, reflecting a sense of pride and individuality. I was captivated and immediately felt a powerful desire to wear my hair like that. Sisterlocks®, to me, represented a blend of tradition and modernity, and I felt a strong connection to that style.

Sisterlocks® is a natural hairstyle for Black women that consists of thin, uniform dreadlocks. Stylists create them using a precision parting grid and a special tool to latch the hair without using any hair products. The process typically results in exceedingly small, uniform dreadlocks (also called “locs”) that can be styled in various ways. This method allows the hair to grow naturally and is considered a more manageable and versatile alternative to traditional dreadlocks. If you think you have not seen Sisterlocks® before, you are likely wrong, as will be made clear in a moment.

However, as I shared my thoughts with family and friends, I encountered well-meaning but discouraging advice. Elders in my community often told me that wearing my hair in such a natural style would not be “acceptable” or ““professional” in corporate America. They warned me that it could hinder my chances of getting a job, particularly in a field as conservative as law. I vividly remember one of my college classmates cutting off his dreadlocks after being told that no one would hire him with that hairstyle. Sure enough, he secured a job after a few interviews with his freshly cut hair. The fear and uncertainty that this instilled in me were real. It seemed like a cruel choice: to embrace a hairstyle that felt authentic to me or to conform to expectations that would ensure, or at least not hinder my professional success.

Despite these fears, I could not shake off the feeling that “locs,” the shortened term for dreadlocks in all its variations, was calling to me. They represented a part of my identity that I did not want to suppress. I decided to take a bold step and wear locs in law school. It was not an easy decision; I was acutely aware of the potential risks. However, I also realized it was not the right place for me if an employer did not want to hire me because of my hairstyle. My skills, dedication, and passion for law should be what defined my career, not my hair.

To my surprise and delight, my decision to wear locs in law school didn't hinder my career prospects. In fact, I received several offers from highly competitive law firms. It was a revelation that perhaps times were changing, and there was a growing acceptance of natural Black hairstyles in professional settings. My locs became a symbol of my resilience and authenticity. I started my career at a law firm, feeling confident in my abilities and proud of my choice to stay true to myself.

Interestingly enough, one of my colleagues told me afterward that she thought I was wearing braids and was unaware the hairstyle was permanent. I wonder if it changed her perception of whether they were acceptable. But it was a moot point by then, as I had eventually cut them off for reasons unrelated to my job.

Fast-forward to 2024. I am a lawyer with over a decade of experience and a law professor. Throughout my journey, I have continued to wear my locs and other natural styles, including twists, braids, afros, and crochet braids, with pride. They have become a part of my professional identity, challenging stereotypes and inspiring others to embrace their natural and authentic selves.

One of the most significant moments of my career happened recently. I and the rest of America watched a judge ascend to the Supreme Court with Sisterlocks®. It was a crowning moment -- pun intended, a powerful symbol of how far we have come. Seeing someone in such a high and respected position wearing the same hairstyle I had once been warned against was incredibly validating. It was a testament to our progress in recognizing and celebrating Black beauty in all its forms, even within the most conservative institutions.

Looking back, I realize how important it is to challenge societal norms and to be true to oneself. My journey with locs has taught me that authenticity and professionalism are not mutually exclusive. My story will inspire others to embrace their natural hair. Although my journey has been challenging. There were moments of doubt, especially early in my career, when I faced subtle biases and stereotypes. There were times when I felt the pressure to conform, to fit into a mold deemed acceptable by traditional standards. But each time I looked in the mirror and saw my hairstyle, I was reminded of my commitment to authenticity and the importance of representation.

As a law professor, I discuss the importance of diversity and inclusion with my students. I share my experiences and encourage them to embrace their unique identities. I want them to know they don't have to choose between being true to themselves and being successful. Like many others, the legal profession is evolving, and we must continue pushing those boundaries.

Seeing a Supreme Court Justice with Sisterlocks® reaffirmed my belief that representation matters. It sends a powerful message to young Black women and men that they can achieve great things without compromising their identity. It challenges the notion of “professional” and broadens the definition to include our society's rich diversity.

My locs are more than just a hairstyle; they symbolize my journey, my resilience, and my commitment to being unapologetically myself. They represent our strides in embracing diversity and challenging outdated norms. And they remind me daily that true professionalism is about integrity, skill, and authenticity.

As I continue my career in law and academia, I am inspired by our progress and motivated to keep pushing for change. I am proud to be part of a generation redefining professionalism and making space for diverse expressions of identity. I hope that future generations will not face the same dilemmas I did and that they will feel empowered to embrace their true selves in every aspect of their lives.

My journey with locs has been a testament to authenticity's power and representation's importance. It has shown me that embracing one's identity is not a barrier to success but a strength. I am proud of our strides and look forward to a future where everyone can feel free to be their true selves, both personally and professionally.

Thus, “Locs, Law & Liberation--An Examination of The CROWN Act and Racialized Notions of Professionalism” is a title that calls you into exploration. This is not merely a paper; it is an invitation to challenge these norms, erase prejudice, and replace them with acceptance and liberation.

I will explore the legal implications of what Leah Goodridge coined the ““racialized notions of professionalism” and shine a light on the discrimination that has plagued those who dare to express their cultural identity through their hair. Locs are not merely aesthetic choices; they are manifestations of rich histories and profound personal journeys. They are a declaration of resistance and resilience, particularly for Black women whose hair choices are heavily policed by the public at large and employers in particular.

The CROWN Act, which stands for Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair, is a transformative piece of legislation. It provides a remedy and seeks to end racial hair discrimination by extending statutory protection to hair texture and styles associated with race. It confronts the Eurocentric biases that have long governed perceptions of professionalism. However, as we have learned from past legislative efforts to ban discrimination, racism, and bias, the path to acceptance and equality is not without obstacles. Implementation of the CROWN Act remains uneven, creating a patchwork of protections that defy logic and reason. This journey will lead us to question the status quo, demand better, and envision a world where no one is judged based on the texture and style of their hair.

[. . .]

Hair discrimination may appear trivial, but its implications reverberate throughout society, underscoring deep-seated systemic racism that permeates our institutions, including the legal profession. Confronting this issue head-on is not just about recognizing the right to wear natural hair or culturally significant hairstyles; it is about dismantling long-standing biases and redefining what professionalism looks like in a diverse and inclusive society. The act of embracing all expressions of identity, including those tied to hair, is a crucial step towards achieving true liberation--a liberation that allows individuals to live authentically without fear of prejudice or exclusion.

The urgency of addressing hair discrimination becomes even more apparent when considering its intersection with broader issues within the legal profession. The profession faces a multifaceted crisis: members are struggling to adapt to technological advancements, public trust is dwindling, and women, who constitute nearly half of the profession, are leaving in unprecedented numbers. These challenges are not isolated; they are symptomatic of a profession grappling with outdated norms and exclusionary practices that stifle growth and innovation. It is imperative for the legal community to evolve beyond traditional, often racially biased, standards of professionalism to create an environment where all practitioners feel valued and supported.

The adoption of legislation such as the CROWN Act, which aims to end race-based hair discrimination, represents a pivotal step in this transformation. The Act not only protects individuals' rights to wear their hair naturally but also signifies a broader societal shift towards recognizing and valuing diverse cultural expressions. Additionally, the historic appointment of Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Supreme Court symbolizes a significant stride toward greater representation and inclusivity within the highest echelons of the legal profession. Her presence on the bench challenges preconceived notions of what a Supreme Court Justice can look like and serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of diversity in our legal system.

To truly address the systemic issues plaguing the legal profession, we must continue to advocate for policies and practices that promote inclusion and equity. This includes reimagining professional standards that have historically marginalized certain groups and fostering a culture that celebrates, rather than suppresses, diverse identities and experiences. The legal profession must lead by example, demonstrating that commitment to diversity and inclusion is not merely aspirational but essential to its integrity and future relevance.

Ultimately, the fight against hair discrimination is a microcosm of the larger struggle for racial justice and equity. By advocating for acceptance of all forms of identity, including those reflected in hair and cultural traditions, we contribute to the broader movement toward dismantling systemic racism and redefining societal norms. As the legal profession grapples with its internal challenges and the broader societal context in which it operates, embracing true inclusivity will not only enhance the profession but also reinforce its role as a pillar of justice and equality. In doing so, we pave the way for a more just and equitable society--one where everyone, regardless of their background or appearance, can fully participate and thrive.

Joseline Jean-Louis Hardrick is a distinguished legal educator, advocate, and founder of Journey to Esquire®, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting diverse law students through scholarships, mentorship, and professional development.