Pennsylvania Enacts the CROWN Act: What Employers Need to Know

On November 25, 2025, Gov. Shapiro signed the Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair (CROWN) Act into law. The new law amends Pennsylvania's anti-discrimination law, the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act (PHRA) in a few important ways:

Broadens the definition of "race" to include hair texture and hairstyles

The PHRA prohibits discrimination based on race, and the definition of "race" now specifically includes "hair texture and protective hairstyles." "Protective hairstyles" include, but are not limited to, "locs, braids, twists, coils, Bantu knots, afros and extensions."

Broadens the definition of "religious creed" to include hairstyles and head coverings

The PHRA prohibits discrimination based on religious creed, and the definition of "religious creed" now specifically includes "head coverings and hairstyles historically associated with religious creeds."

Workplace health and safety rule and BFOQ exception

Employers may still adopt:

• An otherwise valid health and safety rule or policy; or
• Other rule or policy justified as a bona fide occupational qualification (BFOQ). 

However, to establish the exception applies, the employer must demonstrate:

(i) Without the adoption of the rule or policy the health or safety of an employe or other materially connected person may be impaired; 

(ii) The rule or policy is adopted for nondiscriminatory reasons; 

(iii) The rule or policy is specifically tailored to the applicable position and activity; and 

(iv) The rule or policy is applied equally to individuals whose positions fall under the applicable position and activity.  

Effective Date: January 24, 2026