On June 21, 2022, Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards signed into law legislation prohibiting employment discrimination on the basis of hairstyles or textures historically associated with race. The CROWN Act (House Bill No. 1083 / Public Act No. 529) (“CROWN” stands for “Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair”) amends the definition of intentional discrimination in employment under Louisiana law to include any discriminatory practices with respect to any individual’s “compensation, or terms, conditions, or privileges of employment” because of “natural, protective, or cultural hairstyle.” The act adds these characteristics as a subset of discrimination based on race or national origin. “Natural, protective, or cultural hairstyle” is defined to include “afros, dreadlocks, twists, locs, braids, cornrow braids, Bantu knots, curls, and hair styled to protect hair texture or for cultural significance.” The CROWN Act is effective August 1, 2022.
The CROWN Act makes it unlawful to discriminate against individuals on the basis of ethnic traits, such as protective hairstyles (i.e., hairstyle, color, or manner of wearing hair that minimizes manipulation and/or damage of natural hair), in employment, public schools, public accommodations, and housing opportunities. For private employers, the CROWN Act amends the Louisiana Employment Discrimination Law and defines the terms “natural, protective, or cultural hairstyle” to include “afros, dreadlocks, twists, locs, braids,...
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