Pennsylvania Passes CROWN Act to Protect Natural Hairstyles

Written By Lexx Thornton

Governor Josh Shapiro has officially signed the CROWN Act into law, making Pennsylvania the 28th state in the nation to explicitly prohibit discrimination based on natural hair texture and protective hairstyles associated with racial and cultural identity. The landmark legislation, which stands for “Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair,” amends the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act (PHRA) to expand the legal definition of “race.” 

The bill signing took place at a local hair salon in Philadelphia, underscoring the deep personal and professional impact of the legislation. The move follows years of advocacy and overwhelming bipartisan support in the General Assembly. 

The core of the CROWN Act is to ensure that all Pennsylvanians can pursue education and employment opportunities without fear of bias based on their appearance. The law prohibits discrimination in schools, workplaces, and public accommodations against: 

1. Hair Texture: Natural hair textures historically associated with race. 
2. Protective Hairstyles: This includes, but is not limited to, styles such as locs, braids, twists, coils, Bantu knots, afros, and extensions. 

By amending the PHRA, the law explicitly clarifies that “race” now includes these traits. This ensures that discrimination complaints related to hair can be officially filed and investigated by the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission (PHRC). 

Advocates, including lead sponsor Representative La’Tasha D. Mayes and House Speaker Joanna McClinton, emphasized the profound impact of the law, particularly on Black Pennsylvanians who have historically faced pressure to conform to subjective grooming standards often rooted in racial bias. 

1. Workplace Impact: The law combats the issue of workers being denied jobs, promotions, or even being fired because their natural hair or protective styles were deemed “unprofessional.” Speaker McClinton shared that she felt pressured to straighten her hair while practicing law to gain respect in the courtroom. 
2. Health Concerns: Advocates like Dr. Adjoa B. Asamoah, the national CROWN Act champion, pointed out the link between the pressure to conform and the use of chemical relaxers, noting the associated health risks like uterine fibroids and cancer. 
3. Statistical Basis: The need for the law was highlighted by the fact that the PHRC received over 900 complaints in 2022 alone related to racial discrimination involving hair texture and protective hairstyles. 

While the law prohibits discrimination, it does not prevent employers from enforcing valid workplace health and safety rules or policies justified as a bona fide occupational qualification, provided those rules are nondiscriminatory and applied equally to all employees. 

The CROWN Act is scheduled to take effect 60 days after the Governor’s signature. This video provides additional context on the final passage of the bill: Pa. passes CROWN Act. The video highlights the bipartisan support and the belief among stylists and advocates that the protections are long overdue.