Good news! The Pennsylvania Senate passed the CROWN Act (HB 439), sending this long-overdue protection to Governor Shapiro’s desk. The Governor is expected to sign it into law next week.
The Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair (CROWN) Act explicitly prohibits discrimination based on hair, hair texture, and hairstyle. Once signed, the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act will be amended to clarify that “race” includes traits associated with race, including natural hair texture and protective hairstyles. This clarification closes a gap that has allowed racial discrimination to persist, particularly against Black women and girls.
This achievement was driven by the leadership and strong advocacy of the Pennsylvania Black Maternal Health Caucus, prime sponsor Rep. La’Tasha Mayes, and House Speaker Joanna McClinton.
WLP applauds this step toward strengthening civil rights protections in our state. This bill affirms the dignity and autonomy of Black Pennsylvanians and reinforces the principle that no one should face discrimination for expressing their identity.
Thank you for standing with us as we work to build and defend state-based legal power for equality and justice in Pennsylvania.
