Hair Discrimination Bill or CROWN Act Becomes Law in New Jersey

Governor Phil Murphy signed off on the bill that prohibits hair discrimination in the state of New Jersey. He gave final approval to the bill, otherwise known as the CROWN Act or Create a Respectful and Open Workplace for Natural Hair Act, on Thursday, December 19, 2019. The law augments the race discrimination laws in place to include “traits historically associated with race” meaning hair texture, hairstyles, and types like braids, dreadlocks, and more. The law regarding hair discrimination stipulates that employees may not be discriminated against for their natural or chosen hairstyles. In December 2018, a referee strongly urged a South Jersey high school wrestler to cut his dreadlocks or forfeit a match, which prompted the bill proposal and subsequent law protecting these hair attributes.

New Jersey became the third state in the nation to prohibit hair discrimination that involves hairstyles and textures. California led the implementation of the law and New York followed suit earlier in 2019. The law aims to prohibit discrimination at work, school, or in public due to hair traits that are commonly associated with race.

If you dealt with race discrimination or employment discrimination at your workplace, our Cherry Hill employment discrimination lawyers at Sidney L. Gold & Associates, P.C. will discuss your case with you and design a strong strategy for your claim. To arrange a free consultation, call us today at 215-569-1999 or contact us online. We serve clients throughout South Jersey and Pennsylvania from our offices located in Pennsauken, New Jersey, and Philadelphia.