Key Takeaways: The Crown Act is designed to eliminate discrimination based on hair. This includes legal protections for those in the workplace, schools, and beyond. Here's what you need to know.
As a barber (or aspiring barber), you know how much personality can be expressed through a fresh haircut. Some people even imbue their hairstyle with their identity, making it an essential element of self-expression.
Unfortunately, many hairstyles are frowned upon, especially in professional settings. This can lead to discrimination based on expressive hairstyles that don’t fit the norm. That’s where the Crown Act comes into play.
What is the Crown Act and Why it’s Important
Originating in California, the Crown Act is actually an acronym. It stands for Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair. It was introduced in 2019 and is now codified in California state law under SB 188.
In essence, this law focuses on race and the hairstyles associated with race. The bill specifically mentions “afros, braids, twists, and locks,” making it unmistakably clear the hairstyles it refers to.
While afros are already protected by the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Crown Act extends the protected hairstyles to include the aforementioned braids, twists, and locks. Now, such hairstyles are subject to anti-discrimination laws.
Since its implementation in California, several other states have adopted the Crown Act.
States Where the Crown Act is Law
California may have set the precedent, but a large number of states have since adopted the Crown Act. A comprehensive list of the states (and territories) where the Crown Act is now law includes:
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Illinois
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- Oregon
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- U.S. Virgin Islands
- Washington, D.C.
The states above have passed the Crown Act into law, but that doesn’t mean other areas haven’t also adopted the legislation. It has been either filed, pre-filed, or passed in part in the following places:
- Alabama (Law in Birmingham)
- Florida (passed in Broward County and Miami Beach)
- Georgia (Law in Clayton County, Stockbridge, East Point, Gwinnett County, and South Fulton)
- Kansas (Passed in Atchison, Lawrence City, and Wichita)
- Kentucky (Passed in Covington, Frankfort, Lexington, and Louisville)
- Missouri (Passed in Kansas City and St. Louis)
- North Carolina (Law in Ashville, Buncombe County, Chatham County, Charlotte, Durham, Orange County, Greensboro, Raleigh, and Winston-Salem)
- Ohio (Passed in Newburgh Heights, Akron, Columbus, and Cincinnati)
- Pennsylvania (Law in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh)
- West Virginia (Law in Beckley, Charleston, Huntington, Lewisburg, Morgantown, and Wheeling)
- Wisconsin (Law in Milwaukee and Wauwatosa)
- Indiana
- Mississippi
- Montana
- New Hampshire
- Oklahoma
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Utah
As you can see, the vast majority of states have either already passed the Crown Act into law, implemented it in certain portions of the state, or are in the process of doing so.
The Crown Act: Where Activism & Barbering Overlap
You make a difference as a barber every day. From giving someone the boost of confidence they need to lending a listening ear in your shop, you can make a tremendous difference in your clients’ lives and your community at large.
If you are interested in activism and implementing social change, the Crown Act presents an opportunity to get involved and make your voice heard.
What is the Crown Coalition?
The Crown Coalition is your chance to be part of a large-scale movement. It brings together non-governmental organizations and other advocates to acknowledge and address hair discrimination, particularly in the workplace and in public schools.
To join the movement, consider visiting the Crown Act’s website, signing the petition, and contacting your state legislators. The only way change happens is through action!
From embracing your passion for activism to staying informed about the latest developments in the barber industry, brushing up on your knowledge of the Crown Act is a must.
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