Philadelphia, November 26, 2025
Governor Josh Shapiro has officially enacted the CROWN Act, which prohibits discrimination based on hair texture and protective hairstyles in Pennsylvania. This legislation amends the state’s Human Relations Act to include hair traits as a protected class, promoting inclusivity and cultural respect. The act, introduced by Representative La’Tasha D. Mayes, also allows employers to enforce necessary health and safety policies, ensuring a balance between protection and workplace standards. The law is set to take effect at the beginning of 2026.
Philadelphia, PA – Governor Shapiro Signs CROWN Act into Law
Governor Josh Shapiro has signed the Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair (CROWN) Act into law, prohibiting discrimination based on hair texture and protective hairstyles in Pennsylvania. This legislation amends the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act to include hair traits as a protected class, ensuring that all residents can live and work without fear of racial bias related to their hair or appearance.
Key Provisions of the CROWN Act
- Expanded Definition of “Race”: The term “race” now encompasses traits historically associated with race, including hair texture and protective hairstyles such as locs, braids, twists, coils, Bantu knots, afros, and extensions.
- Protection Against Discrimination: Employers and educational institutions are prohibited from discriminating against individuals based on these hairstyles, affirming the dignity and cultural identity of all Pennsylvanians.
- Health and Safety Exceptions: While the act prohibits discrimination, it allows employers to enforce valid health and safety policies that apply equally to all employees, provided they are necessary and nondiscriminatory.
Background and Legislative Journey
The CROWN Act was introduced by Representative La’Tasha D. Mayes and passed the Pennsylvania House of Representatives in March 2025 with significant bipartisan support. The Pennsylvania Senate followed suit, passing the bill on November 19, 2025, with a 44-3 vote. Governor Shapiro signed the legislation into law on November 25, 2025, at the Island Design Natural Hair Studio in Philadelphia, marking Pennsylvania as the 28th state to enact such protections against hair-based discrimination.
Impact and Significance
Prior to this legislation, many individuals, particularly Black men and women, faced discrimination for wearing natural or protective hairstyles in workplaces and educational settings. The CROWN Act aims to eliminate these biases, promoting inclusivity and respect for cultural identity. In 2022, the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission received 916 complaints related to racial discrimination involving hair texture and protective hairstyles, highlighting the need for such legal protections.
Next Steps and Implementation
The CROWN Act is set to take effect on January 24, 2026. Employers and educational institutions are encouraged to review and update their policies to ensure compliance with the new law, fostering environments where all individuals can express their cultural identity without fear of discrimination.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What is the CROWN Act?
- The CROWN Act, which stands for Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair, is legislation that prohibits discrimination based on hair texture and protective hairstyles in Pennsylvania. It amends the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act to include hair traits as a protected class, ensuring that all residents can live and work without fear of racial bias related to their hair or appearance.
- What does the CROWN Act entail?
- The CROWN Act expands the definition of “race” to include traits historically associated with race, such as hair texture and protective hairstyles like locs, braids, twists, coils, Bantu knots, afros, and extensions. It prohibits employers and educational institutions from discriminating against individuals based on these hairstyles, while allowing for valid health and safety policies that apply equally to all employees.
- When does the CROWN Act take effect?
- The CROWN Act is set to take effect on January 24, 2026. Employers and educational institutions are encouraged to review and update their policies to ensure compliance with the new law, fostering environments where all individuals can express their cultural identity without fear of discrimination.
- Why was the CROWN Act necessary?
- Prior to this legislation, many individuals, particularly Black men and women, faced discrimination for wearing natural or protective hairstyles in workplaces and educational settings. The CROWN Act aims to eliminate these biases, promoting inclusivity and respect for cultural identity. In 2022, the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission received 916 complaints related to racial discrimination involving hair texture and protective hairstyles, highlighting the need for such legal protections.
- Who introduced the CROWN Act in Pennsylvania?
- The CROWN Act was introduced by Representative La’Tasha D. Mayes and passed the Pennsylvania House of Representatives in March 2025 with significant bipartisan support. The Pennsylvania Senate passed the bill on November 19, 2025, with a 44-3 vote. Governor Shapiro signed the legislation into law on November 25, 2025, at the Island Design Natural Hair Studio in Philadelphia, marking Pennsylvania as the 28th state to enact such protections against hair-based discrimination.
| Key Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Expanded Definition of “Race” | The term “race” now includes traits historically associated with race, such as hair texture and protective hairstyles like locs, braids, twists, coils, Bantu knots, afros, and extensions. |
| Protection Against Discrimination | Employers and educational institutions are prohibited from discriminating against individuals based on these hairstyles, affirming the dignity and cultural identity of all Pennsylvanians. |
| Health and Safety Exceptions | While the act prohibits discrimination, it allows employers to enforce valid health and safety policies that apply equally to all employees, provided they are necessary and nondiscriminatory. |
| Legislative Journey | The CROWN Act was introduced by Representative La’Tasha D. Mayes, passed the Pennsylvania House in March 2025, the Senate in November 2025, and was signed into law by Governor Shapiro on November 25, 2025. |
| Effective Date | The CROWN Act is set to take effect on January 24, 2026, allowing time for employers and educational institutions to update their policies accordingly. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Four Youngstown High School Teams Advance to Semifinals
University of Pennsylvania Suspends Important Scholarship Program
Victoria Vespico Crowned Miss Pennsylvania 2025
Pennsylvania Installs Temporary Bridge After Flood Damage
Government Officials Discuss Agricultural Tariffs in Pennsylvania
Philadelphia Eagles Start Season Against Cowboys
Pennsylvania Chamber Launches Keystone Initiative for Economic Growth
Philadelphia Arts and Culture Weekend Highlights
Celebrating Mother’s Day 2025 in Philadelphia
Philadelphia’s 12th Annual Maifest Spring Festival
Author: STAFF HERE PHILADELPHIA WRITER
The PHILADELPHIA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhiladelphia.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Mummers Parade, Philadelphia Flower Show, and Thanksgiving Day Parade. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Philadelphia, plus leading businesses in telecommunications, food services, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Comcast, Aramark, and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Pennsylvania's dynamic landscape.
