Michigan outlaws hair discrimination with CROWN Act

Michigan has become the 23rd state to sign into law the Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair Act, known as the CROWN Act, which prohibits discrimination based on hair texture and certain protective hairstyles that were historically associated with race. The act removes barriers for Black Michiganders and aims to prevent hair-based discrimination in workplaces and schools. Studies have shown that Black women with natural hairstyles were perceived as less professional and competent during job recruitment, and some schools' dress codes prohibited people's natural hair texture.