Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro signed HB 439 —The Pennsylvania CROWN Act—into law. The legislation amends the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act (PHRA) to expand the definition of “race” to include traits historically associated with race, including hair texture, protective hairstyles, and religious creed.

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is the 28th state in the U.S. to prohibit discrimination based on hair texture and protective hairstyles historically associated with race.

The CROWN Act 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.

According to a 2022 PHRC report, 916 complaints were filed that year alone related to racial discrimination involving hair texture and protective hairstyles.

“Real freedom means being respected for who you are — no matter what you look like, where you come from, who you love, or who you pray to,” said Governor Shapiro. “For too long, many Pennsylvanians have faced discrimination simply for hairstyles that reflect their identity and culture — that ends today. I’m grateful to Speaker McClinton, Representative Mayes, and the advocates who worked to get this done. We’re building a Commonwealth where everyone is welcomed, respected, and protected.”

In February 2025, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ) reintroduced the federal bill US H.R. 1638 in the U.S. House of Representatives, and Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) reintroduced S.751 in the U.S. Senate. The House passed the bill.