07.26.21
Dove, which recently celebrated National Crown Day as a founding member of the Crown Coalition, now has a new cause—regarding swim caps at the Tokyo Olympics.
Swimmers competing for the gold won’t be allowed to wear Soul Caps, a brand of swim cap designed for people with a lot of hair, various news sources report.
Dove and National Urban League, founding members of The Crown Coalition, an alliance founded to end race-based hair discrimination and the official founders of the Crown Act movement, are taking action.
On July 2nd, the International Swimming Federation (FINA) organization denied swim caps created for Black hair for competition at the Olympics.
While there has been a formal apology issued by FINA and a commitment to review another request for inclusion in the next submission window in September, their original decision highlights the issue of hair discrimination in the sport.
Hair is a critically important part of Black heritage, identity, and culture, and Black athletes should have the freedom to compete without being forced to forfeit their cultural identity or dignity.
Esi Eggleston Bracey, executive vice president and chief operating officer of North America Beauty and Personal Care at Unilever, comments:
"Dove has always stood for beauty inclusivity and we believe athletes should be able to experience inclusivity in pools as well. This matter underscores the continued importance of passing Crown Act legislation. It is why the work being done by Dove and the Crown Coalition is so incredibly crucial, and we are proud to extend our work from the workplace to schools and pools."
Marc Morial, president of the National Urban League and one of the founding members of the Crown Coalition, says:
"FINA's original ruling against a specific swim cap just highlights the issue that Black swimmers have in this sport. This decision by FINA shows a lack of historical and emotional awareness for the Black community. The work we are doing with The Crown Act is important because it shows the education that needs to happen in our country to end hair discrimination in schools, the workplace and now in pools – this has got to stop."
Lia Neal, two-time U.S. Olympic swimming medalist and founder of Swimmers for Change, says:
"FINA's decision was made from a lack of cultural perspective and representation, which ended up having greater implications. One being subconsciously discouraging swimmers with natural hair, making them feel like they don't have a place in the sport on the international stage. The Crown Act is an important step toward awareness for inclusivity and representation in pools and boardrooms alike."
Dove and The Crown Coalition are committed to driving cultural sensitivity and passing the Crown Act—legislation to end hair discrimination in the workplace and public schools.
The Coalition is now working to influence local, regional, national and international governing bodies to adopt policies to ensure full, equitable participation in the sport of swimming; not excluding the use of swimwear and accessories allowing full access to the sport.
To date, 13 states and 30 municipalities have enacted The Crown Act, or laws inspired by it.
Support #passthecrown and sign the petition to end race-based hair discrimination in the U.S.
