Pennsylvania Signs CROWN Act Banning Hair Discrimination and Protecting Natural Styles

Pennsylvania has officially joined a growing number of states working to eliminate race-based discrimination by adopting the CROWN Act, a new law that protects individuals from unfair treatment based on their hair. On November 25, 2025, Governor Josh Shapiro signed HB 439 into law, making Pennsylvania the 28th state in the U.S. to outlaw discrimination based on hair texture and protective hairstyles.

The law amends the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act, expanding the definition of “race” to include traits historically associated with racial identity, such as hair texture and protective hairstyles. This ensures that natural hair and culturally significant styles are explicitly protected under state civil-rights law.

Under the new law, hairstyles including locs, braids, twists, coils, Bantu knots, afros, and extensions are covered. Head coverings associated with religious practice or cultural identity are also protected. Employers and schools can no longer impose bans or strict policies that force individuals to alter their hair, provided there is no legitimate health or safety concern. Employers may still enforce valid safety or uniform rules, such as hard-hat requirements on construction sites, as long as they are applied fairly and nondiscriminatorily.

Supporters of the law say it is a critical step in protecting individuals, especially Black men and women, from being judged or penalized for natural hair or culturally significant hairstyles. Advocates note that the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission received hundreds of complaints related to hair-based discrimination in recent years, highlighting the widespread nature of the problem.

In signing the bill, Governor Shapiro emphasized that the law ensures “no matter what you look like or how you wear your hair, everyone in Pennsylvania belongs here.” The law was passed with strong bipartisan support, reflecting the efforts of civil-rights groups, activists, community organizations, and state lawmakers.

Under the CROWN Act, employers and schools can no longer reject, demote, dismiss, or penalize someone because of their natural hair style or texture. Harassment, disciplinary actions, or denial of opportunities tied to hair are prohibited. While dress-code and uniform standards remain permissible for legitimate safety reasons, they cannot target or disproportionately affect specific hair types or styles.

The passage of the CROWN Act marks a significant step toward ending long-standing biases in workplaces, schools, and public life. By protecting natural and protective hairstyles under anti-discrimination law, Pennsylvania acknowledges that hair is a meaningful aspect of personal, cultural, and racial identity. Advocates hope that the law will foster a more inclusive and equitable environment for all Pennsylvanians, allowing people to express themselves freely without fear of discrimination.