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of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

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    Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission

    Hair Discrimination Protections

    Love your C.R.O.W.N. Pennsylvania 

    C.R.O.W.N.- Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair

    Love your CROWN (studio montage)

    Paid for with Pennsylvania taxpayer dollars. The Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission is empowered to investigate complaints of discrimination on the basis of race, which includes, traits associated with race, including hair texture and protective hairstyles. If you feel you have been the victim of illegal discrimination, file a complaint or report a bias incident with the PHRC. A dedicated, unbiased PHRC investigator will walk you through the process and help prepare your complaint. Complainants do not incur any attorney fees during the investigation process from the PHRC. Complainants do have the right to obtain private legal services at their own expense, but this is not required. Complaints must be filed within 180 days of the alleged act of harm. Pennsylvania law also protects you from retaliation. This means no one is allowed to take any action against you for filing a complaint, opposing unlawful activity, or helping with an investigation. Learn more about the PHRC at phrc.pa.gov.

    Love your CROWN, Pennsylvania

    Paid for with Pennsylvania taxpayer dollars. The Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission is empowered to investigate complaints of discrimination on the basis of race, which includes, traits associated with race, including hair texture and protective hairstyles. If you feel you have been the victim of illegal discrimination, file a complaint or report a bias incident with the PHRC. A dedicated, unbiased PHRC investigator will walk you through the process and help prepare your complaint. Complainants do not incur any attorney fees during the investigation process from the PHRC. Complainants do have the right to obtain private legal services at their own expense, but this is not required. Complaints must be filed within 180 days of the alleged act of harm. Pennsylvania law also protects you from retaliation. This means no one is allowed to take any action against you for filing a complaint, opposing unlawful activity, or helping with an investigation. Learn more about the PHRC at phrc.pa.gov.

    The inherent beauty of hair representing Pennsylvania’s wealth of cultural and experiential diversity is the driving force behind the C.R.O.W.N. Act, which stands for Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair.

    The legislation, HB439, amends the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act (PHRA) to clarify that the term ‘race’ includes traits associated with race, including hair texture and protective hairstyles. 

    HB 439 passed through the Pennsylvania House on March 17, 2025, it passed the Pennsylvania Senate on November 19, 2025 and was signed into law by to Governor Shapiro on November 25, 2025. 

    Nationwide, 27 states have passed their own versions of CROWN Act, including Pennsylvania's neighbors New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Delaware, and Virginia.

    Nationally, the CROWN Act movement is led by Adjoa B. Asamoah, national advisor for Black engagement for the Biden-Harris campaign. A bill that passed the U.S. House but is still awaiting Senate consideration would specifically ban race-based discrimination in relation to hair choices.