Matthew Purushotham
Tue, 06/06/2023
On May 27, 2023, Texas added protections for hairstyles (such as “braids, locks, and twists”) and textures commonly or historically associated with race to its law prohibiting race discrimination in employment and housing. In addition, the new law, HB 567, bans public schools and universities from establishing dress codes that do not allow such race-related hairstyles and textures.
In adopting the new law, Texas joins 21 other states and 45 cities and counties that have passed versions of the CROWN (“Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair”) Act since the beginning of 2019. See here . For a full list of states, cities and counties, who have adopted CROWN Act protections
In March 2022, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a national version of the CROWN Act, but it did not pass in the Senate.
MSE has represented workers in cases involving race, sex, national origin, disability, and other forms of discrimination. If you are concerned that your employer has discriminated against you on the basis of a protected trait, contact us at info@mselaborlaw.com.
