Dechert Takes a Stand Against Hair Discrimination
Dechert LLP is a proud signatory of the Halo Code and supporter of the CROWN Act. As a firm, we are committed to fostering an inclusive culture where our employees feel comfortable to truly bring their whole selves to work. “At Dechert, we stand against all forms of racism and discrimination, ensuring an individual’s hairstyle or hair texture is no obstacle to them achieving their fullest potential,” said Satra Sampson-Arokium, Dechert’s Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer. “It is the many cultures that form our diverse community, which make Dechert a great place to work and we are honored to be a partner to both these amazing initiatives.”
In support of the Halo Code and the CROWN Act, the firm is committed to:
- Standing against all forms of hair bias and discrimination.
- Ensuring all firm personnel are respected and valued regardless of hairstyle or hair texture.
- Recognising and celebrating the differences in our community.
The Halo Collective is the UK’s first black hair code organisation who work with employers to proactively take a stand against race-based hair discrimination. As an affiliate, Dechert follows The Halo Code which states:
“Our workplace champions the right of staff to embrace all Afro-hairstyles.
We acknowledge that Afro-textured hair is an important part of our Black employees’ racial, ethnic, cultural, and religious identities, and requires specific styling for hair health and maintenance.
We celebrate Afro-textured hair worn in all styles including, but not limited to, afros, locs, twists, braids, cornrows, fades, hair straightened through the application of heat or chemicals, weaves, wigs, headscarves, and wraps. In this workplace, we recognise and celebrate our colleagues’ identities.
We are a community built on an ethos of equality and respect where hair texture and style have no bearing on an employee’s ability to succeed.”
The CROWN Act, which stands for “Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair,” is a U.S. law that prohibits race-based hair discrimination, which is the denial of employment and educational opportunities because of hair texture or protective hairstyles including braids, locs, twists or bantu knots.
To showcase your support of the CROWN Act, please click here to sign the petition.
To learn more about Dechert’s commitment to diversity and inclusion, click here.
About Dechert
Dechert is a leading global law firm with 21 offices around the world. We advise on matters and transactions of the greatest complexity, bringing energy, creativity and efficient management of legal issues to deliver commercial and practical advice for clients.