Great news, neighbors. After years of advocacy, hair discrimination is now illegal in Pennsylvania!
Today, Gov. Josh Shapiro signed the Pennsylvania CROWN Act (H.B. 439), legislation I introduced with House Speaker Joanna McClinton, into law.
The Pennsylvania CROWN Act is a major victory for not only Black Pennsylvanians, but for all Pennsylvanians. Hair discrimination is real, and with the signing of this bill into law, we begin to remove significant barriers to work, school and community simply because of how a person’s hair grows naturally out of their head. We are changing the future of our Commonwealth, expanding economic and social opportunity, and restoring hopes and dreams with the Pennsylvania CROWN Act.
For too long, Black Pennsylvanians have been pressured to wear our hair to meet someone else’s expectations. Now, the PA CROWN Act makes clear in the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act that discrimination based on a person's hair type, hair texture, or hairstyle is strictly prohibited.
Multiple states have passed similar laws to protect people from hair discrimination, and Pennsylvania will now join that list.
Now our children will grow up in a more equitable place where we can wear our crowns with pride! And I could not be prouder of that!