Pennsylvania Democratic Governor Signs Bill Banning ‘Hair Discrimination’

Pennsylvania Democratic Governor Josh Shapiro headed to a West Philadelphia hair salon to sign a bill that would prohibit “hair discrimination” in the state.

The CROWN Act, which stands for “Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair,” explicitly calls for protections for “natural” hairstyles, including locs, braids, twists, afros, and more. The legislation passed the state Senate with a 44-3 vote.

“Real freedom means being respected for who you are — no matter what you look like, where you come from, who you love, or who you pray to,” Shapiro said. “For too long, many Pennsylvanians have faced discrimination simply for hairstyles that reflect their identity and culture — that ends today.”

House Speaker Joanna McClinton and U.S. Democratic Rep. La’Tasha D. Mayes have been working to get the CROWN Act implemented since 2019. 

Both women said the motivations were personal. 

“I never wore braids from law school to being a public defender for seven years in this city, because I always had a perception that it would not be respected,” McClinton said. “They will not look at your hair and say you cannot work here. They will not look at your hair and say you do not belong.” 

“Hair discrimination has taken confidence from our children, but that ends today,” Mayes added. “Hair discrimination has taken dignity from workers, but that ends today. It has taken access to economic opportunities, hopes and dreams, but that begins to end today.”

The CROWN Act was introduced in the House of Representatives in 2021 and was approved in 2023. It was reintroduced in both the House and Senate last year, but has not passed.

Twenty-eight other states have similar legislation on the books.

Black hair has been a hot topic of conversation lately, especially during former first lady Michelle Obama’s book tour. 

Obama said that black women are “trapped” by societal pressure regarding their looks and feel compelled to keep their hair straight, meaning they can’t participate in everyday activities.

“Let me explain something to white people. Our hair comes out of our head naturally in a curly pattern,” the 61-year-old said earlier this month. “When we straighten it to follow your beauty standards, we are trapped by the straightness.”

“That’s why so many of us can’t swim, and we run away from the water. People won’t go to the gym because we’re trying to keep our hair straight for y’all! It’s exhausting, expensive and takes up so much time.”

Obama concluded by effusively telling society to “get out of” her hair.

“So why do we need an act … an act of law to get white folks out of our hair? Don’t tell me how to wear my hair. Don’t wonder about it. Don’t touch it. Just don’t. It just is.”

RELATED: California Becomes The First State To Ban Racial ‘Hair Discrimination’ Against Braids, Cornrows, And Dreadlocks