Josh Shapiro signs law banning 'hair-based discrimination' in PA to respect 'identity and culture'

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro signed a law on Tuesday that bans "hair-based discrimination" in the state. The Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair (CROWN) Act amends the Pennsylvania Human Rights Act to expand the definition of race to include "traits historically associated with race, including hair texture, protective hairstyles, and religious creed."

Shapiro said in a statement, "Real freedom means being respected for who you are — no matter what you look like, where you come from, who you love, or who you pray to. For too long, many Pennsylvanians have faced discrimination simply for hairstyles that reflect their identity and culture — that ends today. I’m grateful to Speaker McClinton, Representative Mayes, and the advocates who worked to get this done. We’re building a Commonwealth where everyone is welcomed, respected, and protected."

The signing of the bill makes Pennsylvania the 28th state to prohibit "discrimination based on hair texture and protective hairstyles historically associated with race, ensuring that all Pennsylvanians can live and work without fear of racial bias in their hair or appearance," a press release stated. 

The bill prohibits employers from discriminating against employees or applicants because of hairstyles such as afros, extensions, locs, braids, twists, and other styles. The bill still allows for businesses to enforce health and safety policies regarding hair. 

The bill was introduced by PA Rep La’Tasha Mayes, who said in a statement, "I want to thank Speaker McClinton for her tireless efforts — long before I ever became a member of the PA House of Representatives — to see this bill pass out of the House and Senate and now signed into law.

"I also want to thank my staff; the statewide PA CROWN Act coalition of over 100 organizations, businesses, unions, municipalities, and entities that have garnered public support for House Bill 439 all across this Commonwealth; and Dr. Adjoa B. Asamoah, the CROWN Act champion who has led this fight for years at the federal level; the national CROWN Act Coalition; and so many more."