Pennsylvania Expands Bias Protections Under CROWN Act, Covering Hair Traits and Religious Head Coverings
Updated
Updated · Littler Mendelson PC · Jun 15
Pennsylvania Expands Bias Protections Under CROWN Act, Covering Hair Traits and Religious Head Coverings
1 articles · Updated · Littler Mendelson PC · Jun 15
Summary
H.B. 439, signed by Governor Josh Shapiro on Nov. 25, 2025 and effective Jan. 24, 2026, broadens Pennsylvania’s anti-discrimination law to protect hair texture, protective hairstyles and religiously associated head coverings.
The measure amends the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act by defining race to include traits historically linked to race—such as locs, braids, twists, coils, Bantu knots, afros and extensions—and by clarifying religious creed protections.
The law builds on earlier moves: Philadelphia banned hairstyle discrimination in 2020, and state regulators in 2022 approved PHRA amendments expanding definitions tied to race, sex and religious creed.
For employers, the change raises pressure to update handbooks, training and onboarding materials so workplace rules match the expanded protected categories and are enforced consistently.