Hair Discrimination and the CROWN Act
Oregon joins a number of states in prohibiting discrimination based on hairstyles associated with a person’s race.
Governor Brown signed HB2935 on June 11, 2021. The CROWN Act
prohibits discrimination based on protective hairstyles. Protective hairstyles are defined as “hair color or manner of wearing hair that includes, but is not limited to, braids, regardless of whether the braids are created with extensions or styled with adornments, locs, and twists.” The law also expands the definition of “race” under ORS 659A to include “physical characteristics that are historically associated with race, including but not limited to natural hair, hair texture, hair type, and protective hairstyles.” The CROWN Act specifically applies to Oregon employers and public schools.
The CROWN Act also addresses dress codes that may have a disproportionate adverse impact on members of a protected class.
Oregon's anti-discrimination act, ORS 659A, does not prohibit employers from enforcing an otherwise valid dress code or policy so long as the policy provides reasonable accommodations. The CROWN Act further specifies that the dress code or policy must not have a disproportionate adverse impact on members of a protected class to a greater extent than the policy impacts persons generally.
Filing a Civil Rights Complaint
Allegations of hair discrimination, the Oregon CROWN Act, or discrimination on the basis of race, color and national origin are addressed by
Oregon Civil Rights Laws. Allegations of discrimination or harassment based on race, color, or national origin, are also addressed by
Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, a federal nondiscrimination law.
Resources for Schools
Examples of Protected Hair Styles
Note: These examples are not all-inclusive.