When the CROWN Act went into effect on Jan. 1, 2020, it became one of California’s most significant anti-discrimination laws in recent history.
An acronym for “Create a Respectful and Open Workplace for Natural Hair,” what the CROWN Act achieved is what so many employees of color had sought for many years. Before this law took effect, employers in California were able to tell employees how they could wear their hair, which often meant bans on styles such as afros, braids, dreadlocks, and others like these.
This led to situations where employees of color faced discrimination that would otherwise be illegal because of their ethnicity, skin color, and/or national origin. Employers were able to fire or otherwise retaliate against employees either actually because of their hairstyles or hair texture, or use these as a plausible excuse to fire someone for an illegal reason.
The CROWN Act is unique to California at the moment, but other states are considering similar legislation to end discrimination against race-based hairstyles and textures.
If you believe you were discriminated against by a California employer because of your hairstyle or texture, our attorneys at K2 Employment Law may be able to help.
Contact our firm online now to get in touch with someone from our legal team who can assist you with your claim.