HARRISBURG, PA — The Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission (PHRC) said it was pleased to see the Pennsylvania House pass the CROWN Act. The CROWN Act would amend the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act to prohibit discrimination based on hair texture or style. CROWN stands for Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair.

In June, the PHRC announced new regulations, expanding the definition of race to include traits associated with race, including hair texture and protective hairstyles. Disallowing discrimination based on one’s race, including discrimination based on hair texture and protective hairstyles, does not infringe on employers’ right to implement safety standards in the workplace, according to a news release. 

The regulations and will become effective on August 16.