Pennsylvania Poised to Enact Landmark Crown Act, Banning Hair Discrimination
Pennsylvania is on the verge of becoming the 28th state to prohibit discrimination based on hair and hairstyles, with the Crown Act awaiting the governor’s signature. The legislation, formally known as Creating a Respectful Open World for Natural Hair, aims to dismantle biases in workplaces and schools against hairstyles including braids, locs, and twists.
The passage of the Crown Act marks a significant victory for advocates who have long argued that natural hair textures and styles are often unfairly penalized in professional and educational settings. As one senior official stated, “So many people across Pennsylvania have made decisions about how they should wear their hair to ensure it doesn’t compromise a job opportunity or hinder career advancement.”
Introduced initially by Representative LaTasha Mayes and Speaker Joanna McClinton in 2019, the bill faced previous hurdles, passing the House but stalling in the Senate. However, on Thursday, November 20, 2025, the Senate approved the measure with a resounding 44-3 vote.
Speaker McClinton has been a driving force behind the legislation, emphasizing the emotional and professional toll that hair discrimination can take. “It doesn’t make me look a certain way, or that I won’t lose an opportunity to advance my career due to how my head grows out of my head or how I choose to style it,” she explained. “That’s exactly what this legislation hopes to tackle.”
The impact of the Crown Act extends beyond simply allowing individuals to wear their hair naturally. Tyrik Jackson, a local barbershop owner, highlighted the deeper cultural significance. “A haircut does so much for an individual,” Jackson said. “When you have to cut someone’s hair because their job requires them to, it takes away from who they are as an individual and puts us in a box. I’m so glad this legislation is passing. It keeps us outside the box and allows us to move forward as a community, as a culture.”
The debate surrounding professional appearance often centers on subjective standards. As McClinton pointed out, “What does professional style mean? How is it defined?” She further emphasized that racial and ethnic minorities often make decisions based on perceived biases.
With the governor expected to sign the bill into law next week, Pennsylvania is poised to join a growing number of states recognizing the importance of hair as an integral part of identity and culture, and ensuring equal opportunity for all.
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