Governor Shapiro signed the Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair (CROWN) Act into law.
This legislation amends the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act (PHRA) to expand the definition of “race” to include traits historically associated with race, including hair texture and protective hairstyles. This prohibits employers from discriminating against employees or applicants based on hairstyles such as locs, braids, twists, coils, Bantu knots, afros, and extensions, while still allowing businesses to enforce valid health and safety policies that apply equally to all employees.
The Harrisburg Regional Chamber is proud to have been a member of the Pennsylvania CROWN Act Coalition in support of this legislation. The law will help to lower barriers to workforce entry, which supports economic growth in the Commonwealth, and will ensure that all Pennsylvanians are able to participate in the economy without fear of racial bias toward their hairstyles.
About the Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC
For 140 years, the Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC has served as the region’s catalyst for economic prosperity. The organization combines business, community, and economic development services to enhance the region’s vitality and livability. The Chamber is a five-star accredited chamber through the U.S. Chamber of Commerce—a distinction held by fewer than 1 percent of chambers nationwide. CREDC is the Certified Economic Development Organization for Cumberland, Dauphin and Perry counties…