ABOUT THE CROWN ACT
Speaker of the House Joanna McClinton and Representative La'Tasha D. Mayes ask for your support for the legislation we have introduced known as The Pennsylvania CROWN Act or House Bill 1394, which stands for Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair. This legislation would prohibit discrimination based on a person’s hair type, hair texture or hairstyle.
The Pennsylvania CROWN Act is modeled on and inspired by the National CROWN Coalition and their ongoing efforts to pass the federal CROWN Act.
Locs, braids, twists, coils, Bantu knots, cornrows, afros and extensions are typically associated with Black Americans. Historically, these hair styles have created a point of reflection for many human resources managers, educators and coaches, who want employees, students, or participants to follow established policies and maintain a uniform “neat” appearance regardless of race, culture or ethnicity.
This is why we introduced House Bill 1394 in 2023 and it passed out of the House of Representatives in a overwhelmingly bipartisan vote of 182-21 on July 7, 2023. Now the Senate must move this bill out of its State Government Committee and bring it to the floor for a vote this legislative session.
Policy Update
Pennsylvania’s CROWN Act Is Now in Effect
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Advocating for Equality
As of January 24, 2026, Pennsylvania officially began implementing the CROWN Act (Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair), marking an important civil rights milestone for the Commonwealth. This strengthens the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act by explicitly prohibiting hair-based discrimination.
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The law prohibits discrimination based on natural hair texture and protective hairstyles historically associated with race, including but not limited to locs, braids, twists, afros, bantu knots, and extensions. The law also protects religious hairstyles and head coverings. This is prohibited in Employment, K–12 schools, Housing, and Public accommodations.
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Policies that label Black hair as “unprofessional,” “distracting,” or “inappropriate”—particularly when applied disproportionately—are no longer legally defensible under state law. This matters because Black girls have been disproportionately disciplined, resulting in lost instructional time, disrupted learning, and long-term harm to confidence and belonging.
A child’s identity should never be a barrier to education, dignity, or opportunity. While the act is a milestone, implementation is critical. Schools and employers must:
Review and update dress code and grooming policies.
Train staff on compliance and enforcement.
Ensure disciplinary practices do not perpetuate bias.
Individuals who experience discrimination may file a complaint with the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission (PHRC). The Black Women’s Policy Center remains committed to:
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Educating women, girls, and families about rights.
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Advocating for equitable implementation.
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Holding systems accountable when discrimination persists.