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Pennsylvania Enacts CROWN Act to Protect Natural Hairstyles

11/27/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro signed the CROWN Act, amending the Human Relations Act to include hair traits as part of racial identity.
The act aims to curb biases in workplaces and schools and benefits Black individuals.
At the signing, salon owner Lorraine Ruley described clients pressured to change natural hairstyles.
Advocate Adjoa B. Asamoah highlighted health risks from chemical hair straighteners.

History

Historical Context

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) established guidelines against workplace racial discrimination in 1976. The CROWN Act, signed by Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro in 2023, builds on this legacy by prohibiting discrimination based on hair traits, addressing biases faced by Black individuals. This act reflects ongoing efforts to promote inclusivity and equity in personal expression and workplace environments.

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Story summary

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro signed the CROWN Act, amending the Human Relations Act to include hair traits as part of racial identity.
The act aims to curb biases in workplaces and schools and benefits Black individuals.
At the signing, salon owner Lorraine Ruley described clients pressured to change natural hairstyles.
Advocate Adjoa B. Asamoah highlighted health risks from chemical hair straighteners.

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