Full Breakdown
Pennsylvania Enacts CROWN Act to Combat Hair Discrimination
11/27/2025, 3:25:21 AM
Overview of the CROWN Act Legislation
On November 21, 2023, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro signed the CROWN Act into law, making Pennsylvania the 28th state to prohibit discrimination based on natural hair texture and styles. The act, which stands for "Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair," amends the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act to include hairstyles such as locs, braids, twists, coils, Bantu knots, and afros as protected traits against discrimination in workplaces and schools.
Legislative Journey and Support
The CROWN Act was introduced by State Representative La'Tasha D. Mayes and received bipartisan support, passing the Pennsylvania House with a vote of 194-8 and the Senate 44-3. The bill had been introduced multiple times since 2018, reflecting a persistent effort to address hair discrimination, particularly affecting Black individuals. Mayes emphasized the significance of the law, stating, "Hair discrimination has taken confidence from our children... but that ends today."
Impact on Communities
The law is particularly impactful for Black women and men who have faced pressure to alter their natural hairstyles to conform to workplace norms. Lorraine Ruley, owner of Island Design Natural Hair Studio, shared experiences of clients who felt compelled to change their hairstyles for job interviews, highlighting the emotional toll of such discrimination. "The experience has been really heartbreaking," Ruley remarked.
Health Considerations
Concerns regarding the health implications of conforming to Eurocentric beauty standards were also raised during the signing event. Dr. Adjoa B. Asamoah, a national advocate for the CROWN Act, noted the correlation between chemical hair straighteners and increased health risks, stating, "The cost of conformity is simply too expensive."
Official Statements and Responses
Governor Shapiro remarked, "Real freedom means being respected for who you are — no matter what you look like," reinforcing the law's intent to foster inclusivity. House Speaker Joanna McClinton echoed this sentiment, asserting that the law ensures individuals will not be judged based on their hair but rather on their qualifications and abilities.
Criticism and Opposition
While the CROWN Act has garnered widespread support, some critics express concerns about the enforcement of the law and its effectiveness in changing deep-rooted biases. Monica Henderson, a public health researcher, pointed out that vague grooming policies in schools could still lead to discriminatory interpretations.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Despite the law's passage, there are ongoing discussions about the implementation and enforcement of the CROWN Act. The Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission (PHRC) will be responsible for handling complaints related to hair discrimination, but the effectiveness of these measures remains to be seen.
What's Next
The CROWN Act represents a significant step toward addressing hair discrimination in Pennsylvania, but advocates like Mayes and Asamoah emphasize that continued education and advocacy are essential for ensuring the law's success. As Asamoah stated, "I will not rest until it does" become a nationwide standard.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Hair discrimination has taken confidence from our children, but that ends today,” — U.S. Rep. La'Tasha D. Mayes
- “This is law. I don’t care what Donald Trump says. We make the laws here in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and we will protect the Crown Act.” — Governor Josh Shapiro
- “The experience has been really heartbreaking.” — Lorraine Ruley, Owner of Island Design Natural Hair Studio
- “This legislation makes clear that in Pennsylvania, we celebrate people for who they are and protect their right to fully embrace their identity,” — State Senator Vincent Hughes
- “We are changing the course of her future,” — U.S. Rep. La'Tasha D. Mayes, referring to her daughter.
