In California, the CROWN Act (Create a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair) was signed into law in 2019 to protect employees from discrimination based on their hairstyle or hair texture. This law specifically prohibits employers from enforcing grooming policies that disproportionately affect employees of color, particularly Black employees, who may wear protective hairstyles like afros, braids, locs, or twists. The CROWN Act expands the definition of race under California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) to include hair texture and hairstyle, ensuring that employees are not discriminated against for expressing their racial or cultural identity through their hair. Employers are now legally required to create inclusive grooming policies that do not discriminate based on hairstyle, and they must ensure that their policies are applied equally to all employees.
To prevent and address harassment related to hairstyles, employers should review their grooming policies to ensure compliance with the CROWN Act, making sure that they do not prohibit or restrict hairstyles that are commonly associated with racial or cultural identities. Employers should also provide training for managers and staff to promote awareness and understanding of the CROWN Act and the importance of respecting employees’ cultural expressions. If an employee feels their hairstyle is being targeted or harassed, it’s critical for employers to take immediate action by conducting a thorough investigation and addressing any issues promptly. By fostering a respectful workplace culture where all forms of personal expression are celebrated, employers can avoid potential legal issues while creating a more inclusive environment for their employees.