\u201cFor too long, many Pennsylvanians have faced discrimination simply for hairstyles that reflect their identity and culture \u2014 that ends today,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n
Black Friday<\/p>\n
BestReviews is reader-supported and may earn an affiliate commission.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/main-deals.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
In 2022 alone, the Keystone State received 916 complaints related to racial discrimination involving hair texture and protective hairstyles, according to Shapiro\u2019s office.<\/p>\n
Extreme instances have resulted in people being forced to cut their hair to retain employment or enrollment at local schools.<\/p>\n
\u201cToo many black children have been suspended and missed what should be valuable instruction time because their hair, worn in ways that are aligned with their racial identity, have been deemed a violation of school rules. Too many black adults have been passed over for promotions, had offers of employment rescinded, and even been fired for showing up authentically,\u201d Adjoa B. Asamoah, an advocate for the CROWN Act, said in a press release from Shapiro\u2019s office.<\/p>\n
Some people have turned to chemical treatments to maintain a more slick and Eurocentric hairstyle in hopes of professional gains.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd with an undeniable correlation between the use of chemical relaxers and the increased likelihood of developing uterine fibroids and cancer \u2014 the cost of conformity is simply too expensive,\u201d Asamoah said.<\/p>\n
The CROWN Act will block employers from discriminating against employees or applicants on the basis of hairstyles such as locs, braids, twists, coils, Bantu knots, Afros and extensions, which are worn for various reasons including religious purposes and styling preferences.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe CROWN Act protects dignity and affirms the freedom to honor our cultural roots. I\u2019m incredibly proud to see Pennsylvania adopt this essential anti-discrimination legislation,\u201d said state Sen. Vincent Hughes (D).\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cDiscrimination is unacceptable. This legislation makes clear that in Pennsylvania, we celebrate people for who they are and protect their right to fully embrace their identity.\u201d<\/p>\n
Concerns about natural hairstyle protections have been voiced by lawmakers nationwide. In 2019, a version of the CROWN Act passed in the House but was subsequently blocked in the Senate in 2022.<\/p>\n