New Jersey Bans Hairstyle Discrimination

Crown

As we previously posted, in September 2019, the New Jersey Division on Civil Rights issued guidance concerning race discrimination based upon hairstyles. On December 19, 2019, New Jersey essentially formalized that guidance with the enactment of the Create a Respectful and Open Workplace for Natural Hair Act (CROWN Act), which amended the Law Against Discrimination (NJLAD) to expressly include protections for natural hairstyles.

Specifically, the CROWN Act amended the definition of “race” under NJLAD to include “traits historically associated with race, including, but not limited to, hair texture, hair type, and protective hairstyles.” Under the CROWN Act, “protective hairstyles” specifically include, but are not limited to, “braids, locks, and twists.”

Any employers in New Jersey that had not previously reviewed and updated, if necessary, their grooming and appearance policies should immediately do so to avoid any potential violations of NJLAD.

If you have any questions about your business’s employment policies or practices, please contact us at (201) 345-5412 or through our online scheduling calendar to set up a complimentary consultation.