Pennsylvania Governor Signs CROWN Act into Law, Banning Natural Hair Discrimination

The CROWN Act in Pennsylvania

• 👑 Governor Josh Shapiro signed the Pennsylvania CROWN Act (House Bill 439) into law, officially prohibiting discrimination based on natural hair texture and hairstyles.
• 🎯 Pennsylvania becomes the 28th state to enact such anti-discrimination legislation, aiming to create more opportunities and fewer barriers for its residents.
• ⚖️ The law amends the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act, making hair discrimination a protected class under racial discrimination.

Personal Stories and Impact

• 💬 Salon owner Lorraine shared heartbreaking experiences of clients being forced to alter their natural hairstyles, like locks and braids, to avoid job interviews or maintain employment.
• 🗣️ Representative Latasha Mayes highlighted her personal journey with natural hair, emphasizing the struggle and eventual confidence gained, and how the law will help others avoid similar discrimination.
• 💔 The law addresses the psychological, physical, and economic harm caused by race-based hair discrimination, which disproportionately affects Black Pennsylvanians.

Legislative Journey and Support

• ⏳ The CROWN Act was a six-year effort, championed by leaders like Speaker Joanna McClinton and Representative Latasha Mayes, demonstrating perseverance in achieving legislative goals.
• 🤝 The bill garnered significant bipartisan support, passing the House with an overwhelming majority and receiving substantial backing in the Senate.
• 🌟 Dr. Aua B. Asamoa, the CROWN Act champion and scholar, developed the national campaign and legislative strategies, advocating for policy changes since 2018.

Broader Implications and Future

• 💡 The law ensures that individuals will not be denied jobs, promotions, or opportunities based on their natural hair, affirming that authentic selves are enough.
• 🌍 Pennsylvania joins a national movement to protect civil rights and affirm that all individuals deserve to express themselves freely and authentically.
• 🎤 Speakers emphasized that while this is a significant victory, the work to build a more inclusive society continues across the Commonwealth.

Enforcement and Federal Efforts

• 📞 Discrimination complaints related to hair will now be filed with the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission, similar to other protected classes.
• 🇺🇸 Discussions are ongoing regarding the federal CROWN Act, with efforts to ensure its passage despite potential challenges in the current political climate.
• ✅ The law is seen as a crucial step in creating a fairer, more just, and freer Pennsylvania for all.