New york introduces guidelines against discrimination based on hairstyle

That's great news! On December 21, 2020, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo signed a bill into law that prohibits discrimination based on hairstyle and hair texture in the state. The bill, known as the "CROWN Act" (Creating a Respectful and Open Workplace for Natural Hair), aims to protect individuals from discrimination based on their natural hair textures and styles, including afros, dreadlocks, braids, and other hairstyles that are commonly associated with racial and ethnic minorities.

The law prohibits discrimination in employment, education, and housing based on an individual's hair texture or style, and it also prohibits employers and educational institutions from enforcing policies that ban or restrict certain hairstyles. The law also requires that employers and educational institutions provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with natural hair textures and styles.

The CROWN Act is a significant step forward in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in New York and beyond. It recognizes that hair texture and style are an integral part of an individual's identity and should not be used as a basis for discrimination.

The law is also a response to the growing movement against hair discrimination, which has been fueled by high-profile cases of individuals being denied jobs, promotions, or access to educational institutions due to their hair texture or style. The CROWN Act is a powerful tool for promoting fairness and equality, and it sets a positive example for other states and jurisdictions to follow.

Some of the key provisions of the CROWN Act include:

Overall, the CROWN Act is a significant step forward in promoting fairness, equality, and inclusion in New York and beyond. It recognizes the importance of hair texture and style as an integral part of an individual's identity and provides protections for individuals who may be subjected to discrimination based on these characteristics.