Bill > H168

This bill, known as the North Carolina CROWN Act, aims to protect individuals from employment discrimination based on hairstyles traditionally associated with race. Specifically, the bill expands the definition of race to include traits like hair texture, hair type, and protective hairstyles such as braids, locks, twists, and bantu knots. The legislation prohibits employers, including private and public entities, from denying employment, refusing to hire, or terminating an employee because of these characteristics. Additionally, the bill updates existing anti-discrimination statutes to ensure that employees who file complaints or participate in investigations related to this new protection are protected from retaliation. By broadening the understanding of race-based discrimination to include hair-related characteristics, the bill seeks to prevent workplace discrimination that disproportionately affects Black employees and promote a more inclusive work environment. The act becomes effective immediately upon becoming law and applies to all employers, employees, and prospective employees from that date forward.

Government Affairs

https://www.ncleg.gov/BillLookUp/2025/H168