Councilwoman Cherelle Parker speaking at council

COUNCILWOMAN PARKER INTRODUCES A RESOLUTION SUPPORTING SECURITY OFFICERS FACING ALLEGED DISCRIMINATION BY FEDERAL CONTRACTO

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Triple Canopy’s alleged actions violate local CROWN Act

PHILADELPHIA, PA – Councilwoman and Majority Leader Cherelle L. Parker introduced a resolution in Philadelphia City Council on Thursday supporting the workers of Federal contractor Triple Canopy, Inc., several of whom are facing alleged discrimination based on race and religion. Triple Canopy, (part of Constellis, the previously disgraced federal contractor Blackwater) employs security officers who protect federal government buildings throughout the city, including the IRS, Social Security offices, Federal Courts, Immigration, FEMA, and Customs House. The resolution calls out Triple Canopy’s alleged actions against workers including for “promoting an atmosphere of harassment by demanding workers prove their religion and chronic medical conditions every four months” in order to keep their facial hair.

“Government contractors must be held to the highest standard of workplace conduct,” Councilwoman Parker said. “I, and my City Council colleagues, will not stand by as a government contractor intimidates workers in direct violation of Philadelphia law. Discrimination based on the way someone wears their hair or chooses to wear facial hair violates a bill we passed in November 2020, which clarifies that hair texture and hairstyles are protected under characteristics commonly associated with race.”

Councilwoman Parker spearheaded the Philadelphia CROWN Act (Bill #200252), which became law in November 2020. CROWN stands for Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair. The law clarifies that unlawful discrimination on the basis of race includes discrimination based on characteristics commonly associated with race, such as hair texture and hairstyles.

Congressman Dwight Evans voted for the federal version of the CROWN Act, which passed the House but was rejected by the Senate in 2020.

“Workers should never have to endure religious discrimination, as alleged by security officers protecting Federal buildings throughout Philadelphia,” said Congressman Dwight Evans, D-PA-3rd. “According to these officers, Triple Canopy workers are being forced to jump through excessive hurdles to prove their religion and medical conditions. Thank you to Councilwoman Cherelle Parker for championing the CROWN Act legislation in Philadelphia. I am committed to redoubling our efforts to ensure these same worker protections are encoded in Federal law.”

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Councilwoman Cherelle L. Parker represents the 9th District, which includes East Mt. Airy, West Oak Lane, East Oak Lane, Lawncrest, Burholme, Olney, Oxford Circle and Logan. As Majority Leader, she serves as Chair of Council’s Committee on Labor and Civil Service and the Committee on Law and Government.

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