Pennsylvania is poised to ban hair-based discrimination as the Crown Act heads to the governor

Pennsylvania is on track to become the 28th state to pass the Crown Act, a historic measure that bans discrimination based on natural hair and protective hairstyles. The bill now awaits Governor Josh Shapiro’s signature after clearing the Senate in a tie-breaking 44-3 vote.

The legislation – formally known as the ‘Creating a Respectful Open World for Natural Hair Act’ – addresses longstanding prejudices in workplaces and academic settings against styles such as braids, locs, twists and other natural hair textures commonly worn by Black and brown communities.

House Speaker Joanna McClinton, who advocated for the measure along with state Rep. LaTasha Mayes, said the law addresses a form of discrimination that often goes unnoticed by those who have never experienced it. For many Pennsylvanians, she said, hair choices can directly affect whether they are hired or promoted.

“So many people across Pennsylvania who, like me, have made decisions about how to wear my hair to ensure that it doesn’t jeopardize my job prospects, that I don’t look a certain way, or that I won’t lose an opportunity to advance my career because of the way my hair grows out of my head or how I choose to style it,” McClinton said.

Lawmakers first introduced the bill in 2019, but previous versions stalled. After repeated efforts and growing national momentum behind similar legislation, this year’s effort received broad bipartisan support.

If reported Through WGALCommunity voices have also contributed to the momentum. Tyrik Jackson, a local barbershop owner who has seen firsthand how grooming standards can control identity, said the law is long overdue.

“For some of you watching, you may be thinking, sure, you’re going to appear in a professional manner with a professional style – but what does professional style mean?”

McClinton said in another statement, underscoring how subjective norms often fall hardest on people of color.
Jackson echoed that sentiment, noting how workplace rules can force individuals to cut hair they consider essential to their identity. “A haircut does so much for an individual,” he said. “If you have to cut someone’s hair because someone’s job requires it, it takes away from who they are as an individual… I’m so glad this legislation is in place.”

Gov. Shapiro is expected to sign the bill into law next week, McClinton said, paving the way for statewide protections that advocates say will promote greater dignity, fairness and cultural acceptance.

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