EMPLOYMENT LAW NEWS
States with Hair Discrimination (CROWN) Laws: Updated for 2024 with Interactive Map
By GovDocs
Updated September 2024
In light of the wave of new CROWN laws, employers should review their internal policies and handbooks — as well as any diversity training programs — to ensure they are in alignment with these laws.
A Background on CROWN Laws in the U.S.
The number of states with hair discrimination laws in place continues to grow in 2024. It was just a few years ago when several organizations formed a coalition to persuade lawmakers to create legislation prohibiting employers from discrimination based on hairstyles — typically those associated with individuals identifying as Black or Biracial. Now commonly referred to as CROWN laws (Create a Respectful and Open Workplace for Natural Hair), the first of many was signed into law in 2019 by California Governor Gavin Newsom.
On July 1, 2024, Vermont became the latest state to pass such a bill. It joins a growing list of states as part of a legislative trend that has continued to gain momentum as more and more jurisdictions have adopted similar legislation.
Recent additions:
What Rights Do Hair Discrimination Laws Protect?
While CROWN laws vary by jurisdiction, they generally prevent discrimination based on natural hair textures and styles that are commonly associated with race. These laws aim to ensure that people, particularly Black individuals, are not unfairly treated in workplaces, schools, or other settings because of how they wear their hair.
Common protected hairstyles include:
- Braids
- Twists
- Locs
- Textured hair
- Bantu Knots
- Afros
As is often the case with progressive legislation, California was the first state to pass a CROWN law, amending its Fair Employment and Housing Act to include language about hair discrimination.
A deluge of states have since followed suit.
As of September 2024, 27 states, along with Washington, D.C., have now passed CROWN laws. In addition, there are over 30 states with similar legislation filed or pre-filed, and there has been a strong effort to pass a federal version of the CROWN Act during the last five years.
Keep Informed
with GovDocs Employment Law News
State with Hair Discrimination (CROWN) Laws Interactive Map
As of July 2024, states that have passed CROWN laws of their own include:
| Alaska | Minnesota |
| Arizona* | Nebraska |
| Arkansas | Nevada |
| California | New Hampshire |
| Colorado | New Jersey |
| Connecticut | New Mexico |
| Delaware | New York |
| Illinois | Oregon |
| Kentucky* | Tennessee |
| Louisiana | Texas |
| Maine | Vermont |
| Maryland | Virginia |
| Massachusetts | Washington |
| Michigan | Washington, D.C. (Included for Clarity) |
*Indicates a state where CROWN laws were introduced through an executive order.
Statistics
In Delaware, which passed its CROWN law in 2021, a study was cited in a synopsis:
- Black women are 80 percent more likely to change their natural hair to conform to social norms or expectations at work.
- Black women are 50 percent more likely to be sent home (or know of another Black woman who was sent home) from work because of her hair.
- Black women are 30 percent more likely to be told of workplace appearance policies.
The Push for a National CROWN Act
On April 30, 2024 Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ) reintroduced H.R. 8191, also known as the Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair (CROWN) Act, championed by the official campaign of the same name. The CROWN Coalition was founded by Dove, the National Urban League, Color of Change and the Western Center on Law and Poverty.
Although the CROWN Act was initially passed in 2019 and 2022, it was ultimately blocked by the Senate.
Lastly, over 40 cities have passed CROWN laws, adding yet another layer of complexity to the employment law compliance landscape for companies that operate in jurisdictions across the U.S.
Conclusion
In light of the wave of CROWN laws being passed across the U.S., employers should review their internal policies and handbooks — as well as any diversity training programs — to ensure they are aligned with these laws.
As laws like these continue to grow and evolve, GovDocs is here to help you remain compliant at every unique location. With our solutions, you can focus on building an inclusive workplace while we handle the complexities of labor law compliance.
This Employment Law News blog is intended for market awareness only, it is not to be used for legal advice or counsel.
What is GovDocs?
GovDocs simplifies employment law compliance for large, multi-jurisdiction employers in the U.S. and Canada. The GovDocs software platform integrates three solutions in one convenient place to help you master the employment laws impacting your business. Whether you manage a postings, minimum wage or paid leave program, our products cut through research time, provide proactive insights into the everchanging landscape of employment laws and reduce the risk of noncompliance. The company is headquartered in Eagan, Minn.
The GovDocs Poster Store simplifies posting compliance for employers with less than 30 locations across all industries, offering a variety of posting products to meet your labor law compliance needs.
