C.R.O.W.N.- Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair
Love your CROWN (studio montage)
Paid for with Pennsylvania taxpayer dollars. The Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission is empowered to investigate complaints of discrimination on the basis of race, which includes, traits associated with race, including hair texture and protective hairstyles. If you feel you have been the victim of illegal discrimination, file a complaint or report a bias incident with the PHRC. A dedicated, unbiased PHRC investigator will walk you through the process and help prepare your complaint. Complainants do not incur any attorney fees during the investigation process from the PHRC. Complainants do have the right to obtain private legal services at their own expense, but this is not required. Complaints must be filed within 180 days of the alleged act of harm. Pennsylvania law also protects you from retaliation. This means no one is allowed to take any action against you for filing a complaint, opposing unlawful activity, or helping with an investigation. Learn more about the PHRC at phrc.pa.gov.
Love your CROWN, Pennsylvania
Paid for with Pennsylvania taxpayer dollars. The Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission is empowered to investigate complaints of discrimination on the basis of race, which includes, traits associated with race, including hair texture and protective hairstyles. If you feel you have been the victim of illegal discrimination, file a complaint or report a bias incident with the PHRC. A dedicated, unbiased PHRC investigator will walk you through the process and help prepare your complaint. Complainants do not incur any attorney fees during the investigation process from the PHRC. Complainants do have the right to obtain private legal services at their own expense, but this is not required. Complaints must be filed within 180 days of the alleged act of harm. Pennsylvania law also protects you from retaliation. This means no one is allowed to take any action against you for filing a complaint, opposing unlawful activity, or helping with an investigation. Learn more about the PHRC at phrc.pa.gov.
The inherent beauty of hair representing Pennsylvania’s wealth of cultural and experiential diversity is the driving force behind the proposed CROWN Act. The legislation, HB 1394, would amend the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act (PHRA) to clarify that the term ‘race’ includes traits associated with race, including hair texture and protective hairstyles. Representative La’Tasha D. Mayes and Speaker of the House Joanna McClinton continue their efforts to educate PA citizens about hair-related bias and discrimination. They’ve launched a PA CROWN Act Coalition.
HB 1394 won approval of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives in July and awaits Senate consideration. Read more about the PHRC support of the CROWN Act.
Nationwide, 23 states have passed their own versions of CROWN Acts, including Pennsylvania's neighbors New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Delaware, and Virginia.
Nationally, the CROWN Act movement is led by Adjoa B. Asamoah, national advisor for Black engagement for the Biden-Harris campaign. A bill that passed the U.S. House but is still awaiting Senate consideration would specifically ban race-based discrimination in relation to hair choices.
In August 2023, the PHRC announced new regulations, more clearly explaining the definitions of 'race,' which includes traits associated with race, including hair texture and protective hairstyles. It does not infringe on employers’ rights to implement workplace safety standards.