On March 18, 2022, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the CROWN Act (H.R. 2116). The Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair (CROWN) Act explicitly prohibits discrimination in employment on the basis of hair texture or hairstyles commonly associated with a particular race or national origin. Under the bill, hair texture and protective hairstyles, including braids, locs, twists, or bantu knots, would be given federal protection from discrimination. The legislation will now move on to be voted upon by the Senate.

In 2019, California became the first state to ban discrimination based upon natural hair. Following the CROWN Act’s implementation in California, 13 additional states and 34 municipalities have adopted similar laws.

Employers should review their workplace grooming policies for compliance with the CROWN Act now.