PA Poised to Ban Hair Discrimination

Get ready for a significant shift in Pennsylvania! The state is on the verge of outlawing discrimination based on natural hair and protective hairstyles, marking a major victory for inclusivity. The CROWN Act, a landmark piece of legislation, has cleared the state Senate and is now awaiting Governor Josh Shapiro’s signature.

What is the CROWN Act?

Formally known as the “Creating a Respectful Open World for Natural Hair Act,” this law aims to combat the long-standing bias faced by Black and brown communities regarding their natural hair textures and styles. Think braids, locs, twists, and other protective styles that have often been policed in workplaces and academic settings.

House Speaker Joanna McClinton, a champion of the bill, highlighted how hair choices can unfortunately impact job opportunities and career advancement. She emphasized that for many Pennsylvanians, decisions about how to wear their hair are often made with the fear of compromising their professional prospects.

A Long Road to Passage

This isn’t the first time the CROWN Act has been introduced in Pennsylvania; earlier versions stalled. However, after years of effort and a growing national movement supporting similar legislation, this year’s bill gained significant bipartisan support. Community voices, like that of local barbershop owner Tyrik Jackson, have been instrumental in driving the push for this change.

Jackson shared his firsthand experience seeing how grooming standards can unfairly police identity. He noted that workplace rules can force individuals to alter hairstyles that are central to their sense of self. ‘A haircut does so much for an individual,’ he stated, emphasizing the personal impact of such regulations.

Fostering Dignity and Fairness

With the bill passing the state Senate by a decisive 44-3 vote, Pennsylvania is set to become the 28th state to adopt the CROWN Act. Governor Shapiro is expected to sign the bill into law soon, paving the way for statewide protections.

Advocates believe these protections will foster greater dignity, fairness, and cultural acceptance for all Pennsylvanians, ensuring that how someone wears their natural hair is never a barrier to opportunity.