Mayes, McClinton launch Pennsylvania CROWN Act Coalition

Mayes and McClinton sponsored the CROWN Act, which passed the House July 2023

Rep. La'Tasha D. Mayes    March 8, 2024

PITTSBURGH, March 8 – To prohibit hair discrimination in Pennsylvania and garner support from stakeholders across the commonwealth, Rep. La’Tasha D. Mayes, D-Allegheny, and House Speaker Joanna McClinton, D-Phila./Delaware, launched the Pennsylvania CROWN Act Coalition.

This coalition will work to combat hair discrimination and educate stakeholders about the CROWN Act (H.B. 1394), in addition to advocating for the passage of the bill in Pennsylvania General Assembly.

The CROWN Act, sponsored by Mayes and McClinton, passed the House by a vote of 182-21. It would amend the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act to prohibit discrimination based on hair type, hair texture or hair style in Pennsylvania.

“Speaker McClinton and I launched the Pennsylvania CROWN Act Coalition, inspired by the national CROWN Act Coalition, to stand together to create a world that respects natural hair and enact a statewide law to ban discrimination of how our hair naturally grows out of our head,” Mayes said. “When people face hair discrimination in the workplace like here in Pittsburgh in the case of Asani Porch who has a lawsuit against Aramark for hair discrimination, in school settings like Darryl George in Texas and public accommodations, it negatively affects their health. We must pass the CROWN Act to ensure that natural hair, hair styles and hair texture are respected in our commonwealth.”

“People in other states – like Arkansas, Tennessee and Louisiana – have already secured the protections offered by the CROWN Act,” McClinton said. “Pennsylvanians deserve the same respect and dignity, whether they are student athletes or applying for a new job. The CROWN Coalition will empower people to join the chorus of voices calling to end this outdated artifact of racial discrimination.”

Those interested may join the Pennsylvania CROWN Act Coalition at pahouse.com/CROWNAct. Pennsylvanians may contact their state representative and the Senate about the CROWN Act on Mayes’ website.

###

House Democrats are committed to promoting better jobs, better schools and better communities. Putting people ahead of politics, House Democrats are leading the charge to lower taxes, help workers save for retirement, put more teachers in local schools, and make communities safer. More information on these successful efforts is at pahouse.com/deliveringforpa.