In the past, some employers and institutions enforced grooming policies that disproportionately targeted hairstyles commonly worn by Black individuals, such as dreadlocks, braids, twists, and afros. These policies resulted in discrimination and sometimes even job loss or denial of educational opportunities.

To address these concerns, several states and local governments have taken steps to enact legislation to protect individuals from hair discrimination. 

The CROWN Act, which stands for “Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair” is a law that prohibits race-based hair discrimination, which is the denial of employment and educational opportunities because of the hair texture or protective hairstyles including braids, locs, twists, or Bantu knots. 

First introduced in California in January 2019 and signed into law on July 3, 2019, the inaugural CROWN Act expanded the definition of race in the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) and state Education Code, to ensure protection in workplaces and in K-12 public and charter schools. Since then, The CROWN Act has galvanized support from federal and state legislators in the movement to end hair discrimination nationwide. The action was created by a team of Black women leaders, in partnership with a coalition of organizations and individuals actively supporting the campaign.