CROWN Act of 2025

The CROWN Act of 2025 would prohibit discrimination based on an individual's hair texture or hairstyle in schools, workplaces, and other federally funded programs and activities. The bill specifically protects natural and protective hairstyles commonly associated with African heritage, including locs, cornrows, twists, braids, Bantu knots, and Afros. The legislation addresses what supporters argue are gaps in existing federal civil rights laws. Some federal courts have narrowly interpreted current race discrimination protections, allowing schools and employers to enforce grooming policies that effectively discriminate against people of African descent who wear natural or protective hairstyles. If enacted, the bill would establish clearer federal protections and enforcement mechanisms for individuals who face discrimination based on hair texture or style. The bill is currently in committee and has not yet been voted on by the full Senate. It has bipartisan sponsorship from Senators Cory Booker and Susan Collins, with a companion bill introduced in the House. A similar version previously passed the House in 2019 and 2022 but did not advance in the Senate.