Hair Discrimination

California has taken significant steps to combat hair discrimination with the implementation of the CROWN (Create a Respectful and Open Workplace for Natural Hair) Act, which was signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom on July 3, 2019.

This pioneering legislation makes California the first state in the United States to expressly prohibit discrimination based on hair style and hair texture by extending protections under the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) and the California Education Code. Specifically, the CROWN Act addresses discrimination against hairstyles commonly associated with race, such as braids, locs, twists, and knots, ensuring protection in workplaces and public schools.

The motivation behind the CROWN Act stems from a desire to end hair discrimination, which has been a systemic issue affecting employment opportunities and professional advancement for individuals, particularly impacting Black women.

The Act was created with the support of Dove and the CROWN Coalition, in partnership with then State Senator Holly J. Mitchell of California, highlighting the importance of extending statutory protection to hair texture and protective styles to foster a more inclusive and respectful environment for natural hair in both professional and educational settings.

The enactment of the CROWN Act in California has sparked a broader movement, with similar legislation being adopted in other states and discussed at the federal level, aiming to eradicate hair bias and discrimination across the country​ (The Official CROWN Act)​​.