In recent years, a growing movement has emerged across the United States to address a long-standing form of discrimination that affects Black individuals in both the workplace and educational settings. This movement is centered around the CROWN Act, a piece of legislation designed to protect people from being treated unfairly based on their natural hair or protective hairstyles. As more states adopt the CROWN Act, it has become a significant topic in US Trending News, reflecting broader conversations about racial equity and inclusion.
Understanding the CROWN Act
The CROWN Act stands for Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair. It is a legislative effort aimed at prohibiting discrimination against employees and job applicants based on their hair texture or the way they wear their hair, such as braids, twists, cornrows, locs, and other natural styles. These styles are often associated with Black culture and heritage, yet they have historically been viewed as unprofessional or inappropriate in many workplaces and schools.
As of 2023, the CROWN Act is law in 19 states, including California, New York, and Virginia. However, it has not yet been passed at the federal level, although it was approved by the U.S. House of Representatives in March 2022.
The act was created in 2018 by four Black women—Esi Eggleston Bracey, Kelli Richardson Lawson, Orlena Nwokah Blanchard, and Adjoa B. Asamoah—who formed the CROWN Coalition, a group dedicated to ending race-based hair discrimination. The coalition includes organizations like the NAACP, the ACLU, and even beauty brand Dove, which has played a key role in advocating for the legislation.
Why the CROWN Act Matters
Discrimination based on hair is not just a matter of personal preference—it’s a form of racial bias that has deep historical roots. For decades, Black individuals have faced pressure to conform to Eurocentric standards of professionalism by straightening or altering their natural hair. This practice, often referred to as “relaxing,” has been a way to fit into predominantly white-dominated spaces, but it has also come with health risks and cultural erasure.
A 2019 study by Dove found that Black women are 80% more likely to change their natural hair to fit in at work, and their hair is 3.4 times more likely to be perceived as unprofessional than that of non-Black women. These findings highlight the systemic nature of the problem and underscore the need for legal protections.
The CROWN Act seeks to close this gap by making it clear that hair discrimination is a form of racial discrimination. It expands existing anti-discrimination laws to include hair texture and protective styles, ensuring that individuals are not penalized for expressing their identity through their hair.
The Impact on the Workplace
The CROWN Act has already begun to influence company policies across the country. For example, UPS recently updated its grooming policies to allow employees to wear natural Black hairstyles, including locs and braids. Similarly, in California, where the CROWN Act has been in effect since 2019, only one lawsuit has been filed under the law, involving a man who was denied a job because he refused to cut his locs.
However, the impact of the CROWN Act extends beyond legal cases. It has sparked important conversations about inclusivity, diversity, and respect in the workplace. Employers are now being encouraged to rethink their grooming policies and ensure that they do not disproportionately affect Black employees.
Examples of hair discrimination include:
- A preschool teacher in Los Angeles being told her curly hair was “too extravagant” for the workplace.
- A customer service representative in Alabama being asked to cut off her locs before starting a new job.
- An employee in San Diego being fired for wearing cornrows.
These stories illustrate how deeply embedded the issue of hair discrimination is and why the CROWN Act is so crucial.
The CROWN Act in Action
While the CROWN Act is not yet a federal law, it has gained momentum at the state and local levels. In addition to the 19 states that have adopted it, more than 40 municipalities have enacted similar legislation. For example, cities like Austin, Texas, Ann Arbor, Michigan, and nine cities in North Carolina have passed laws that prohibit hair-based discrimination.
At the federal level, the CROWN Act passed the U.S. House of Representatives in 2022, but it still needs to gain support in the Senate. If it becomes law, it would provide nationwide protection against hair-related discrimination, making it illegal for employers to penalize employees based on their natural hair or style.
States that have adopted the CROWN Act include:
- Alaska
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Illinois
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- Oregon
- Tennessee
- Virginia
- Washington
New Mexico became the latest state to pass the CROWN Act in 2023, adding to the growing list of states that recognize the importance of protecting natural hair.
The Broader Implications
The CROWN Act is more than just a piece of legislation—it represents a shift in how society views race, identity, and professionalism. It challenges the notion that certain hairstyles are inherently unprofessional and highlights the need for cultural sensitivity and inclusivity in all aspects of life.
As Dr. Khadijah O. Miller, a professor at Norfolk State University, explains, “Hair is a very personal identifying characteristic. It is also linked to how we identify, categorize, and judge folks.” When a person’s hair is deemed inappropriate, it sends a message that they are not welcome or valued in certain spaces.
Marquetta Anderson, owner of Naturally U Hair Salon in Virginia, agrees. She believes that the CROWN Act will help normalize natural hair and encourage more people to embrace their cultural heritage without fear of discrimination.
“Hollywood and television stars are now wearing natural hair,” she says. “Because the wealthy and powerful are choosing natural hair, I believe that other states will follow suit and pass their own versions of the CROWN Act.”
What’s Next?
Despite the progress made, the fight for full legal protection against hair discrimination is far from over. While the CROWN Act has been adopted in many states, there are still several that have not taken action, including Ohio, North Dakota, Montana, Wyoming, and Hawaii. Additionally, the bill must pass the U.S. Senate to become federal law.
For now, the CROWN Act remains a powerful tool for promoting equity and respect in the workplace and beyond. It serves as a reminder that everyone deserves to express their identity freely, without fear of judgment or discrimination.
Final Thoughts
The CROWN Act is a critical step forward in the ongoing struggle for racial justice and equality. It addresses a form of discrimination that has affected Black individuals for generations and provides a legal framework to challenge unjust practices in the workplace and schools.
As more states and cities adopt the CROWN Act, it is clear that the conversation around natural hair and cultural identity is gaining traction. While the road to full acceptance may be long, the CROWN Act is a powerful symbol of progress and a call to action for employers, educators, and policymakers to create more inclusive environments.
Stay updated with the latest news on the CROWN Act and other US Trending News by following reputable sources and engaging in meaningful discussions about race, identity, and inclusion.
Author: [Name]
Title/Role: [Journalist and Cultural Analyst]
Credentials: [With over a decade of experience covering social justice issues and cultural trends in the United States, [Name] has contributed to major publications and platforms focused on equity, diversity, and inclusion.]
Profile Link: [Optional link to author’s profile]
Sources:
1. CROWN Coalition
2. Dove’s 2019 Study on Hair Discrimination
3. National Urban League
Internal Links:
– Understanding Title VII and Workplace Discrimination
– The History of Racial Discrimination in the US
– How to Advocate for the CROWN Act in Your Community
Call to Action:
Stay informed and engaged with the latest US Trending News. Support efforts to promote equity and inclusion in your workplace and community. Learn more about the CROWN Act and how you can contribute to a more respectful and open world for natural hair.
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