On November 25, 2025, Pennsylvania officially enacted the CROWN Act (House Bill 439), amending the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act (PHRA) to prohibit discrimination based on hair texture and hairstyles associated with race and religion. The law is scheduled to take effect on January 24, 2026.
Key Legislative Changes
The new legislation clarifies definitions within the PHRA to ensure broader protection for employees:
- Expanded Definition of Race. The term “race” now explicitly includes traits historically associated with an individual’s race, such as hair texture and “protective hairstyles.”
- Protected Hairstyles. Protective hairstyles are defined to include locs, braids, twists, coils, Bantu knots, afros, and extensions.
- Religious Creed. The definition of “religious creed” now includes head coverings and hairstyles historically associated with religious beliefs.
- Health and Safety Exceptions. Employers may still enforce valid health and safety rules regarding hair, provided the rules are non-discriminatory, specifically tailored to the position, and necessary to prevent safety impairments.
Next Steps for Employers
To ensure compliance before the effective date, employers should:
- Review Dress Codes: Update employee handbooks to remove any restrictions on natural hairstyles or protective styles.
- Update Anti-Harassment Policies: Ensure policies explicitly prohibit conduct based on hair texture or style.
- Train Staff: Educate managers and hiring teams on the new definitions to prevent bias in recruitment and management.
- Assess Safety Rules: Verify that any hair-related safety requirements are necessary and applied equally to all employees.
