# The CROWN Act of 2021: Plain Language Summary

The CROWN Act is a federal civil rights law that protects people from discrimination based on their natural hair texture and protective hairstyles. Specifically, it makes it illegal for employers and schools to punish, fire, or discipline someone because of hairstyles commonly associated with Black people—such as braids, twists, locs, cornrows, or afros. The law also prevents employers from requiring people to change their natural hair or hairstyle as a condition of employment, and it stops schools from excluding students or denying them educational opportunities because of how they wear their hair naturally.

Before this law, many Black Americans faced real consequences for their hair choices. Someone could be fired from a job, denied a promotion, or sent home from school simply because their employer or school considered their natural hair "unprofessional" or "not in compliance with dress codes." These policies disproportionately affected Black people because hair discrimination is rooted in racial bias—what's considered "professional" has historically been based on Eurocentric beauty standards that don't reflect natural Black hair textures. The CROWN Act recognizes this as a form of racial discrimination and makes it against federal law.

The law applies to most employers with 15 or more employees, federal contractors, and schools. If someone experiences hair discrimination, they can file a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (for workplace issues) or pursue legal action. The goal is to ensure that people aren't penalized for their natural appearance and that workplaces and schools become more inclusive and accepting of racial diversity.

CROWN Act of 2021

Booker, Cory A.

Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair Act of 2021 or the CROWN Act of 2021 This bill prohibits discrimination based on a person's hair texture or hairstyle if that style or texture is commonly associated with a particular race or national origin. Specifically, the bill prohibits this type of discrimination against those participating in federally assisted programs, housing programs, public accommodations, and employment. Persons shall not be deprived of equal rights under the law and shall not be subjected to prohibited practices based on their hair texture or style. The bill provides for enforcement procedures under the applicable laws.