Hair has always been linked to self-expression, and in some cases, it goes even deeper than that. Hair and its styling can be an extension of who you are and a representation of your very identity.
Because hair is so personal and unique to the individual to which it belongs, there are implications inherently tied to it. Societal norms play a tremendous role in what is considered an acceptable hairstyle in professional settings, the workplace, and even in school.
The CROWN Act is intended to outlaw discrimination based on natural hairstyles, extending protections granted to individuals based on inherent characteristics such as race.
Key Takeaways
Discrimination based on hairstyle, including natural hairstyles, has been a documented issue to this day. The CROWN Act seeks to create legal protections for those with natural hairstyles who may face discrimination in the workplace, school, or elsewhere.
Everything to Know About the CROWN Act
The CROWN Act, which is an acronym for “Create a Respectful and Open Workplace for Natural Hair,” originated in California in 2019. It was then that the act was instituted as law via Bill SB 188.
The language of the bill extends the definition of race to “also include traits historically associated with race, including, but not limited to, hair texture and protective hairstyles.” In other words, the CROWN Act declares by law that certain hairstyles are protected under anti-discrimination laws.
Further, the bill goes on to specifically mention “afros, braids, twists, and locks,” which it asserts are linked to race. Afros are already protected via Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and the CROWN Act seeks to add braids, twists, and locks to that protection.
Where is the CROWN Act Already Law?
After becoming law in California in 2019, the CROWN Act spread quickly to other states. It is now law in many states, as well as portions of other states. The states that have passed it into law thus far are:
- California
- New York
- New Jersey
- Virginia
- Colorado
- Washington
- Maryland
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- Oregon
- U.S. Virgin Islands
- Alaska
- Maine
- Tennessee
- Louisiana
- Illinois
- Massachusetts
- Minnesota
- Arkansas
- Texas
- Michigan
- Vermont
Additionally, the CROWN Act has been filed or pre-filed in a number of other states, meaning that it could become law in the near future. Portions of these states have already passed the act into law.
- Utah
- Oklahoma
- Kansas (Law in Atchison, Lawrence City, and Wichita)
- Iowa
- South Dakota
- Missouri (Law in Kansas City and St. Louis)
- Kentucky (Law in Covington, Frankfort, Lexington, and Louisville)
- Pennsylvania (Law in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh)
- Rhode Island
- West Virginia (Law in Beckley, Charleston, Huntington, Lewisburg, Morgantown, and Wheeling)
- Wisconsin (Law in Milwaukee and Wauwatosa)
- Indiana
- Georgia (Law in Clayton County, Stockbridge, East Point, Gwinnett County, and South Fulton)
- North Carolina (Law in Ashville, Buncombe County, Chatham County, Charlotte, Durham, Orange County, Greensboro, Raleigh, and Winston-Salem)
- South Carolina
- Alabama (Law in Birmingham)
- Mississippi
- Florida (Law in Broward County and Miami Beach)
- New Hampshire
Only a handful of states have not filed the CROWN Act, including:
- Idaho
- Montana
- North Dakota
- Wyoming
- Hawaii
- Ohio (Law in Newburgh Heights, Akron, Columbus, and Cincinnati)
Finally, there are two states that passed legislation inspired by the CROWN Act. Portions of these states also acknowledge the CROWN Act as law.
- New Mexico (Law in Albuquerque)
- Arizona (Law in Tempe and Tucson)
Become a CROWN Act Activist
If you are interested in promoting the CROWN Act and what it stands for, there are several ways to get involved.
The CROWN Coalition is a collection of advocacy and non-governmental organizations spearheading the movement to address hair discrimination in public schools and the workplace. If you are involved in an organization that would like to join the coalition, you can visit the CROWN Act’s website.
You can also make your voice heard by signing the petition stated by the CROWN Coalition. You can even introduce the act to your state legislators to let them know it’s something you and others are passionate about.
Whether you’re a hairstylist with a passion for advocacy or a salon owner trying to stay informed, Beauty Insurance Plus is your go-to source of beauty pro knowledge, community, and news. The CROWN Act is just one profound example of the exciting and impactful changes you could be a part of.
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