Which states have the Crown Act? This question often arises in discussions about labor laws and protections for employees. The Crown Act, also known as the California Crown Act, is a significant piece of legislation that aims to protect employees from discrimination based on natural hair styles and protective hairstyles that are traditionally associated with race. This article delves into the origins of the Crown Act, its implementation, and the states that have adopted similar legislation.
The California Crown Act, officially known as the California Racial Hair Discrimination Act, was signed into law on July 3, 2019, by Governor Gavin Newsom. The act was inspired by the story of a young African American woman, Crown Tatum, who was fired from her job for wearing her hair in an afro style. The act was named after her, symbolizing the struggle against racial discrimination in the workplace.
The Crown Act makes it illegal for employers in California to discriminate against employees or job applicants based on their natural or protective hairstyles, including afros, braids, twists, locks, and other similar styles. This law applies to all aspects of employment, including hiring, firing, promotions, and compensation. It also requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations for employees’ religious or cultural practices that involve their hair.
Following the successful implementation of the California Crown Act, several other states have taken similar steps to combat racial discrimination in the workplace. Here are some of the states that have adopted the Crown Act or similar legislation:
1. New York: The New York version of the Crown Act, known as the New York Racial Hair Discrimination Act, was signed into law on August 28, 2019. It mirrors the California law and provides protections for employees based on their natural or protective hairstyles.
2. New Jersey: The New Jersey Racial Hair Discrimination Act was signed into law on January 9, 2020. It is similar to the California and New York acts and offers protections for employees against discrimination based on their hair.
3. Virginia: The Virginia Racial Hair Discrimination Act was enacted on April 22, 2020. This law protects employees from discrimination based on their natural or protective hairstyles and is designed to ensure a fair and inclusive workplace.
4. New Mexico: The New Mexico Racial Hair Discrimination Act was signed into law on April 8, 2020. It aims to prevent discrimination against employees based on their natural or protective hairstyles and provides protections similar to those in other states.
5. Maryland: The Maryland Racial Hair Discrimination Act was enacted on April 11, 2020. It offers protections for employees against discrimination based on their natural or protective hairstyles and is designed to promote a diverse and inclusive workplace.
These states have taken significant steps to address the issue of racial discrimination in the workplace by adopting the Crown Act or similar legislation. However, the fight against discrimination is ongoing, and more states are expected to follow suit in the future. As awareness of this issue grows, the hope is that workplaces across the nation will become more inclusive and equitable for all employees.
