What is the Crown Act?

The Crown Act is a piece of legislation created by the CROWN(Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair) Coalition that is written to prohibit natural hair discrimination in school and work settings. 

Black women face discrimination in work settings, due to the texture of their hair in its natural state and hairstyles that they wear. Black women, today, are still losing their jobs or being asked to leave schools because of their hair. According to Dove’s CROWN Research, Black women were 50% more likely to report being sent home or know of a peer who was sent home from work because of their hair.

What states passed the Crown Act?

On July 3, 2019 California became the first state to sign the Crown Act into law. The law was recorded as bill SB 188 prohibiting discrimination against natural hair and protective styles at school and work. 

Following after California’s lead, New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Virginia, Colorado, and Washington outlawed natural hair discrimination in their state.

What’s next for the Crown Act?

On September 21, 2020 the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Crown Act at the federal level. Natural hair discrimination can soon be prohibited nationwide with approval from the Senate and the President. 

Don’t miss: Natural Hair Discrimination Is No Longer Legal In Connecticut