Shapiro signs ‘hair discrimination’ ban in Pennsylvania under new CROWN Act protections

Key facts

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro signed the Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair (CROWN) Act into law, banning discrimination based on natural hair.
The law protects people from discrimination linked to hair texture, type, and protective hairstyles that are historically associated with race.
With this measure, Pennsylvania becomes the 28th state to adopt CROWN Act protections.

What the CROWN Act does

The CROWN Act amends the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act to expand the definition of race to include traits historically associated with race, including hair texture and protective styles. This means employers, schools, housing providers, and other covered entities may not treat people unfairly because of natural hair or styles such as braids, locs, twists, or similar protective hairstyles.

Complaints about hair discrimination will be handled through existing anti‑discrimination mechanisms in the state. The law is designed to ensure that appearance standards cannot be used as a pretext for racial bias against natural or culturally significant hairstyles.

Context and motivation

Supporters of the bill pointed to cases where people, especially Black Pennsylvanians, faced school discipline, employment consequences, or other penalties because of their natural hair or protective styles. State leaders framed the new law as part of a broader effort to guarantee that residents can study, work, and run businesses without being pressured to change or hide their hair to avoid discrimination.

Advocates also emphasized that hair discrimination is a form of racial discrimination that can harm people’s economic opportunities and sense of identity. They argued that legal clarity is needed so that individuals know their rights and institutions adjust their policies accordingly.

Implementation in Pennsylvania

The CROWN Act takes effect after a brief waiting period, giving agencies and organizations time to review grooming and appearance policies. Once in force, people who experience hair‑based discrimination can file complaints with the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission under the strengthened protections.

State officials have presented the law as a signal that all residents should feel they belong in Pennsylvania, regardless of how they choose to wear their natural hair. The measure aligns the state with a growing list of jurisdictions that have enacted similar protections at the state or local level.

Broader civil rights efforts

The Shapiro administration has linked the CROWN Act to other initiatives intended to expand opportunity for historically disadvantaged communities and small diverse businesses. These efforts include reducing licensing barriers for natural hair braiders, increasing state contracting with Black‑ and Latino‑owned firms, and boosting funding for programs that support such businesses.

Supporters argue that banning hair discrimination complements these economic and civil‑rights steps by addressing both structural and day‑to‑day barriers faced by communities of color. Together, these actions aim to create a more inclusive environment in workplaces, schools, and public life across Pennsylvania.

“The CROWN Act is more than legislation; it is a long‑awaited acknowledgment that natural hair and protective styles deserve the same respect as any other expression of identity.”

“No matter what you look like, where you come from, who you love, who you pray to, or how you wear your hair, you belong here in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.”

Author’s brief summary

The CROWN Act in Pennsylvania outlaws hair‑based discrimination, affirming that natural and protective hairstyles tied to racial and cultural identity must be respected and legally protected statewide.

The Hill on MSN — 2025-11-27