summary
Introduced
02/19/2026
02/19/2026
In Committee
02/19/2026
02/19/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026-2027 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This joint resolution designates July 3 of each year as "CROWN Act Day" in the State of New Jersey in recognition of the passage of the CROWN Act in New Jersey. July 3 has been designated National Crown Day by the CROWN Coalition to commemorate California signing the CROWN Act into law, being the first state to do so. African-American women, men, and children regularly deal with discrimination in the workplace and in educational settings due to their hair. Hair textures and styles have been the focus of bias and discrimination, especially in professional settings, for too long. A study completed in 2019 by the JOY Collective found data that is alarming in the 21st century. African-American women are 80 percent more likely to change their natural hair to meet social norms and fit in at work. African-American women are 1.5 times more likely to have been sent home or know of an African-American woman who has been sent home from work because of her hair. African-American women's hair is 3.4 times more likely to be perceived as unprofessional. Finally, African-American women are 30 percent more likely to be made aware of a formal workplace appearance policy. African-American men and children are not immune to the effects of the statistics found in the 2019 study. In 2018, an incident occurred with an African-American 16-year old boy named Andrew Johnson, spurring the passage of the CROWN Act in this State. He was denied from competing in a wrestling match at his New Jersey high school unless he cut his dreadlocks. A 2021 study by the JOY Collective found that 86 percent of African-American teens who experience discrimination state they have experienced discrimination based on their hair by the age of 12. African-American individuals face many forms of discrimination in the workplace and in educational settings and it is time that more attention be brought to the issue of hair discrimination. Designating July 3 as "CROWN Act Day" will highlight the 2019 passage of the CROWN Act in New Jersey and will create an annual opportunity for New Jerseyans to learn about the issue of hair discrimination.
AI Summary
This joint resolution designates July 3rd of each year as "CROWN Act Day" in New Jersey to recognize the passage of the CROWN Act, which stands for Create a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair. This act prohibits racial discrimination based on hair texture or protective styles, addressing the significant bias and discrimination faced by African-American individuals, particularly women, in workplaces and educational settings, as evidenced by studies showing they are more likely to alter their natural hair, be sent home from work due to their hair, or perceive their hair as unprofessional. The designation also commemorates July 3rd as National Crown Day, established by the CROWN Coalition to mark California's pioneering enactment of the CROWN Act, and aims to raise awareness about hair discrimination, which has been a barrier to opportunities for African-Americans, highlighted by incidents like that of Andrew Johnson, a high school student denied participation in a wrestling match due to his dreadlocks, which helped spur the CROWN Act's passage in New Jersey in 2019.
Committee Categories
Government Affairs
Sponsors (2)
Last Action
Introduced, Referred to Assembly State and Local Government Committee (on 02/19/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2026/AJR147 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/AJR/147_I1.HTM |
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