The Crown Act: A Jewel for Combating Racial Discrimination in the Workplace and Classroom. Policy Memo

Black and brown people--and especially Black women--regularly face discrimination in schools and the workplace based on the texture and style of their hair. This is yet another form of racial discrimination and yet another way to control and police Black and brown people. Twenty-four states across the country have responded by passing the CROWN ("Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair") Act, which prohibits hair-based discrimination at work and school. The movement to pass the CROWN Act is gaining momentum in states across the country, as well as at the federal level. The Act is about strengthening worker protections and ensuring dignity and respect for cultural expression. This report discusses: (1) The effects of hair-based discrimination; (2) How the CROWN Act protects against hair-based discrimination; (3) Why is the CROWN Act needed?; (4) State of play: The CROWN Act has bipartisan support; and (5) How the CROWN Act is a critical tool to fight discrimination.