The Crown Act: Hair Texture Discrimination in the Legal Profession

Many employers enforce dress and grooming codes to restrict personal appearance in the workplace. These regulations have historically discriminated against Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC)—especially those who wear natural hair and protective hairstyles. While employers can monitor personal appearance in the workplace, whether live or virtual, there are limitations to enforcement of dress and grooming codes.

This continuing legal education seminar provides attorneys with an overview of federal, state, and local laws related to hair texture discrimination in the workplace. Additionally, there will be discussions of the CROWN (Create a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair) Act—enacted in New York, California, New Jersey, Washington, Colorado, among other states—Title VII, and other laws that prohibit hair texture discrimination in the workplace. The program will also offer the best strategies and tips for attorneys when considering and creating employment regulations that respect both personal appearance in the workplace and the law.

Employment law attorneys, civil litigation attorneys (who represent clients in discrimination lawsuits), human resource professionals, judges, and students of all experience levels will benefit from attending this program.