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A New Jersey law called the Create a Respectful and Open Workplace for Natural Hair, or “CROWN” Act prohibits discrimination against individuals based on traits associated with race, including hair types and hairstyles.

The CROWN Act amends the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination, which protects individuals against discrimination in employment, housing, schools, and places of public accommodation. It expands the definition of race to include “traits historically associated with race including but not limited to hair texture, hair type and protective hairstyles,” such as braids, locks, and cornrows.

The law was passed and took effect in December 2019.​​

This information last reviewed: Jan 21, 2020