The Pennsylvania State Senate has passed the CROWN Act, which aims to ban hair discrimination, with a 44-3 vote on Wednesday (November 19). The bill, known as the Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair (CROWN) Act, now awaits Governor Josh Shapiro's signature to become law.
The legislation amends the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act to prohibit discrimination based on hair type, texture, or styles, including locs, braids, twists, coils, Bantu knots, afros, and extensions. It also offers protection for head coverings and hairstyles associated with religious beliefs. The bill allows employers to enforce workplace health and safety policies, provided they are nondiscriminatory and apply to all employees.
State Representative La’Tasha D. Mayes, who sponsored the bill, expressed her excitement about the Senate's bipartisan support, stating, "The CROWN Act has been a longtime fight toward the overall goal of ending this insidious discrimination in our commonwealth." House Speaker Joanna McClinton also highlighted the significance of the bill, noting that it addresses the pressures many Black women face regarding their hairstyles.
The CROWN Act had previously passed the Pennsylvania House in March with broad support. If signed by Governor Shapiro, Pennsylvania will join several other states that have enacted similar protections against hair discrimination.