The CROWN Act, which stands for “Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair,” would prohibit race-based hair discrimination, or the denial of employment and educational opportunities because of hair texture or protective hairstyles including, but not limited to, braids, locs, twists, or bantu knots. 

As of February 1, 2023, there are twenty states and several municipalities that have passed the CROWN Act to provide legal protections against race-based hair discrimination in workplaces and schools. This form of racial discrimination is a real, ongoing problem pervading Michigan’s communities.