CROWN Act of 2025

House Bill

H.R. 1638

119th Congress

CROWN Act of 2025

In Committee

Introduced:Feb 26, 2025

Primary Sponsor

Dusty Johnson

Representative

Republican

SD-0

Cosponsors

84

Quick Stats

Policy Area

Civil Rights and Liberties, Minority Issues

Summary

The CROWN Act of 2025 prohibits discrimination based on hair texture or hairstyles commonly associated with particular races or national origins. It extends civil rights protections to cover natural hair in federally assisted programs, housing, public accommodations, and employment. The bill ensures people cannot be deprived of equal rights or subjected to discriminatory practices based on how they wear their hair, with enforcement through existing civil rights laws like the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Latest Action

Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Education and Workforce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

AI Summary

Plain-English explanation of this bill

The CROWN Act of 2025 prohibits discrimination based on hair texture or hairstyles commonly associated with particular races or national origins. It extends civil rights protections to cover natural hair in federally assisted programs, housing, public accommodations, and employment. The bill ensures people cannot be deprived of equal rights or subjected to discriminatory practices based on how they wear their hair, with enforcement through existing civil rights laws like the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Last updated: 12/30/2025

Official Summary

Congressional Research Service summary

Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair Act of 2025 or the CROWN Act of 2025This bill prohibits discrimination based on a person's hair texture or hairstyle if that style or texture is commonly associated with a particular race or national origin. Specifically, the bill prohibits this type of discrimination against those participating in federally assisted programs, housing programs, public accommodations, and employment.Persons shall not be deprived of equal rights under the law and shall not be subjected to prohibited practices based on their hair texture or style.The bill provides for enforcement procedures under the applicable laws (e.g., the Civil Rights Act of 1964).

Key Points

Main provisions of the bill

Prohibits discrimination based on hair texture or hairstyle associated with race/national origin
Covers federally assisted programs, housing, public accommodations, and employment
Extends existing civil rights protections to natural hair
Enforcement through Civil Rights Act of 1964 and similar laws
Addresses historical discrimination against Black hairstyles like locs, braids, and twists

How This Impacts Americans

Potential effects on citizens and communities

This bill would provide significant protections for millions of Americans who have faced discrimination based on natural hairstyles. It addresses a long-standing civil rights gap where policies requiring "professional" or "neat" hair have disproportionately affected Black Americans. If passed, it would create federal protection against hair discrimination in workplaces, schools receiving federal funding, housing, and public spaces—potentially reducing discrimination complaints and promoting workplace diversity.

Policy Areas

Primary Policy Area

Civil Rights and Liberties, Minority Issues

Related Subjects

Cosmetics and personal care

Due process and equal protection

Elementary and secondary education

Employment discrimination and employee rights

Higher education

Housing discrimination

Poverty and welfare assistance

Public housing

Racial and ethnic relations

State and local government operations

Scope & Jurisdiction

Jurisdiction Level

federal

Congressional Session

119th Congress

Citation Reference

1638, 119th Congress (2025). "CROWN Act of 2025". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/118-hr-1638