The Fight Against Hair Discrimination: Why Pennsylvania Needs the CROWN Act
At YWCA Lancaster, we are committed to eliminating racism and empowering all people. That includes standing up against hair discrimination—an often-overlooked form of racial bias that disproportionately impacts Black Americans. That’s why we support the Pennsylvania CROWN Act (Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair), a crucial piece of legislation that would prohibit discrimination based on hair type, texture, or hairstyle.
The Reality of Hair Discrimination
Far too often, Black individuals experience discrimination simply because of how they wear their hair. Whether in schools, workplaces, or other public spaces, Black Americans are unfairly singled out for wearing locs, braids, twists, coils, Bantu knots, cornrows, Afros, wicks, or extensions—styles deeply rooted in cultural identity and history.
While policies have evolved to combat racial discrimination, hair bias remains a persistent issue. Many human resources departments, school administrators, and athletic organizations continue to enforce outdated grooming policies that prioritize Eurocentric beauty standards over inclusivity. These policies not only reinforce harmful stereotypes but also limit access to education, employment, and opportunities.
Why the CROWN Act Matters
The CROWN Act is already law in 27 states, including New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, Tennessee, Arkansas, Nebraska, and Texas. It is time for Pennsylvania to follow suit. The legislation is a reintroduction of last session’s HB 1394, which had strong bipartisan support, passing in the House with a vote of 182-21.
Anti-discrimination laws must evolve to reflect the realities of today’s workplaces and schools. No one should have to choose between their cultural expression and professional or educational advancement. The passage of the CROWN Act would be a major step toward ensuring that all Pennsylvanians are protected from race-based hair discrimination.
Join the Movement
We can no longer stand by while individuals are targeted, harassed, and denied opportunities based on their natural hair. YWCA Lancaster urges our community, partners, and policymakers to support the Pennsylvania CROWN Act and help make hair discrimination a thing of the past.
Together, we can create a more just and equitable world—one where everyone can wear their hair with pride.
Take Action: Contact your representatives and encourage them to co-sponsor this vital legislation. Let’s ensure Pennsylvania joins the growing list of states committed to protecting natural hair.