Workplace discrimination can take many forms. For years, bias against natural hair has been an often-overlooked barrier to equality. Employees with textured hair, braids, locs, twists, Bantu knots, and other protective styles have faced pressure to conform, often being told their natural hair is “unprofessional” or “unacceptable.”
In 2019, California took a historic step to address the issue by passing the CROWN Act, becoming the first state in the nation to protect natural hair in employment and education settings explicitly.
What Is the CROWN Act?
The CROWN Act (short for “Create a Respectful and Open Workplace for Natural Hair”) is a law that bans race-based hair discrimination. In California, it was signed into law as Senate Bill 188 and took effect on January 1, 2020. It amended the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) and California Education Code to expand the definition of “race” to include “traits historically associated with race, including, but not limited to, hair texture and protective hairstyles.”
The CROWN Act states that in California, an employer or school cannot enforce grooming policies that unfairly target natural hair textures or culturally significant hairstyles linked to racial identity.
Why Was the CROWN Act Needed?
Before the CROWN Act, many grooming and appearance policies disproportionately impacted Black employees and students despite these policies being written as “race-neutral.” People of color and cultures were disciplined, denied promotions, or even terminated for wearing locs, afros, braids, or other natural styles.
One notable case was EEOC v. Catastrophe Management Solutions (2016), where a Black woman’s job offer was rescinded because she refused to cut her locs. Although the court ruled against her, the case sparked national conversation about the need for clear legal protections.
By explicitly defining hair discrimination as a form of race discrimination, the CROWN Act closes a gap that allows employers to enforce grooming standards under the guise of “professionalism.”
Key Protections Under California’s CROWN Act
Under the California Government Code § 12926 and related FEHA provisions:
- Natural Hair Is Protected – This includes hair texture and styles like braids, twists, locs, Bantu knots, afros, and cornrows.
- No Discriminatory Grooming Policies – Employers cannot create or enforce appearance rules that ban or limit protective hairstyles in a way that disproportionately impacts certain racial or ethnic groups.
- Applies to All Employers Covered by FEHA – Any employer with five or more employees is bound by these rules, as are public schools and certain housing providers.
- Covers Job Applications, Hiring, and Workplace Discipline – An employer cannot refuse to hire, promote, or fairly compensate someone because of their natural hair, nor can they discipline them for wearing it.
Its Impact in the Workplace
The CROWN Act has shifted workplace culture in California by prompting employers to review and revise dress code and grooming policies. Human Resources departments are now encouraged to train managers on cultural competency and bias, ensuring that “professionalism” is not defined by Eurocentric norms.
A company policy that previously required “neat, short hairstyles” might now be challenged as discriminatory if it was used to penalize Black employees wearing locs or twists. Employers must ensure that appearance requirements are based on legitimate business needs and applied equally to all employees such as safety standards in industries where hair length can potentially be posed as a risk.
What Employees Should Do If They Experience Hair Discrimination
If you believe you’ve been discriminated against because of your natural hair in California, it is vital that you take the following steps to ensure your rights are protected.
- Document the Incident – Keep records of comments, written policies, and disciplinary actions.
- Review Your Company’s Policy – See if grooming rules are applied equally to all employees.
- File an Internal Complaint – Report the issue to HR or your manager to see if the issue can be resolved internally.
- Consult an Employment Attorney – An attorney can evaluate your case, guide you through filing a complaint, and help you pursue compensation if your rights were violated.
Call Lawyers for Justice, P.C. Today
The CROWN Act ensures that Californians can embrace their natural hair and cultural heritage without fear of losing their job or being denied educational opportunities. By recognizing hair discrimination as a form of racial discrimination, California has set a precedent for fairness, equality, and cultural respect in the workplace. If you or a coworker is experiencing harassment or unfair treatment due to your hair, you may be eligible to file an employment claim to get justice.
At Lawyers for Justice, P.C., we specialize in helping California workers get the fair treatment they rightfully deserve from negligent employers and workplaces. With over 15 years fighting for client’s rights, the firm has extensive experience and a proven track record of securing settlements. Don’t wait for justice; take the first step to reclaim your rights!
Contact us today at 818-JUSTICE, or fill out our online contact form for a free consultation. ]