The CROWN act and dermatology: Taking a stand against race-based hair discrimination

Abstract

Race-based hair discrimination continues to disadvantage people of color who have been sent home from school or dismissed from their jobs on the premise that certain hairstyles, such as dreadlocks and knots, do not meet standards of professionalism. The Create a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair (CROWN) Act, which was recently passed by several states and the House of Representatives, prohibits such discrimination based on a person's hair texture or hairstyle associated with race. Dermatologists serve a vital role in advocating for the skin and hair needs of all patients, spanning from the personal or clinical encounters level to population-level policy legislation. The act represents a critical opportunity for dermatologists to coalesce and support this important piece of legislation that defends skin of color and the fundamental human right to nondiscrimination.

Keywords: CROWN Act; advocacy; diversity; hair; policy; racial disparities.