Hair is one of the first things someone notices about you, and this is likely one of the reasons so many of us spend a considerable amount of time in the morning making sure it looks just right. Our hair comes in many different textures, lengths, and styles, and is something that allows us to express our individuality among others. In the same way people may use their hair to express their individuality, some people also strive for that same individuality in the workplace, they want to show their managers and coworkers what they bring to the table and what makes them a valued member of their team. The workplace is somewhere you should feel welcome and safe, never alienated. Though this is the ideal situation for most people, it is unfortunately not always the one they find themselves in and can be caused by factors outside their reach.

In 2020 The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, or EEOC, recorded 67,448 charges of discrimination in the workplace during the 2020 FY (EEOC Releases Fiscal Year 2020 Enforcement and Litigation Data). Discrimination against an employee can come in many different forms such as sexual orientation, race, and age just to name a few out of a list that continues to encompass more situations each year. One of the more recent acts of discrimination that has been added to that list is discrimination based on one’s hair.

Starting in California, The CROWN Act, which stands for Create a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair, has been proposed and passed in a handful of states and aims to prohibit discrimination against workers and students based on their natural hair. There are people in the workplace who feel they must look a certain way to fit in and become accepted, and though in this instance it is regarding hair, it is certainly not limited to just that. Though the act would have banned discrimination upon workers based on their hair texture or style, it was unfortunately not able to be read before the deadline and ultimately died in The Texas House of Representatives on May 12th of last year. Though The CROWN Act may have not been passed into law in Texas, it still can be viewed as a stepping stone towards more recognition for discrimination employees may face in other capacities, and hopefully it is brought back into consideration for The Texas House. Of course, discrimination based on one’s hair may still be unlawful, especially if the discrimination faced is because of one’s race or national origin.

Harassment can come in many different forms and if you or someone you know feels they have been wrongfully discriminated upon in the workplace, then you may consider discussing your issue with an employment lawyer.