CCBWG Co-Chairs Watson Coleman, Clarke & Kelly Announce Introduction of CROWN Act to Prohibit Race-Based Hair Discrimination
Today, CCBWG Co-Chairs and Co-Founders Reps. Bonnie Watson Coleman, Yvette Clarke, and Robin Kelly held a press conference announcing the reintroduction of the Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair or CROWN Act in the House of Representatives. The bill would prohibit discrimination on the basis of hair texture.
Twenty-seven states and dozens of cities nationwide have passed their own CROWN Acts, designed to outlaw race-based hair discrimination in schools and workplaces, removing a barrier to educational and economic opportunity facing many Black Americans and people of color. Despite this progress, inequities remain, making the need for federal legislation clear.
For example, Black students are disciplined at a rate four times higher than any other racial or ethnic group, and research has found that 70 percent of all suspension disciplines are discretionary, many stemming from dress code violations, including “unapproved” hairstyles. Meanwhile, in workplaces, bias against ethnic and natural hairstyles reduces opportunities for job advancement, especially among women. More than 20% of young Black women report being sent home from work because of their hair. Fully one-third of Black women under 34 believe they have been denied a job interview because of their hair.
“We cannot control the way our hair grows out of our head any more than we can control the color of our skin,” said Rep. Watson Coleman. “Discrimination against hair texture is racial discrimination, plain and simple. Nobody deserves to be denied the opportunity to thrive in the workplace, excel in school, or contribute their talents to the world simply because of their hair. I’m proud to reintroduce this legislation with my House colleagues and Senator Booker. I strongly encourage House leadership to take up this bill, which has passed in 27 states, led by both Republican and Democratic governments.”
“For as long as anyone can remember, Black women, men, girls and boys have been told they must change their hair in order to fit in,” said Rep. Yvette D. Clarke. “Employees have been forced to adjust their appearance because some middle manager disagrees with their definition of professionalism. Let’s be clear, no one should ever face discrimination. Not for the color of their skin, and certainly not for the texture of their hair.”
“Hair discrimination is racial discrimination, period,” said Rep. Robin Kelly. “Black women with coiled or textured hair are more likely to be deemed unprofessional, face microaggressions in the workplace or feel pressure to straighten their hair. This is not just about hair; it’s about how Black women and men are treated. The time when Black women should change their hair to fit in is over. It’s time for the law to change and prevent hair discrimination.”
The full text of the CROWN Act of 2025 can be found here.