Empowering Diversity: Celebrating National CROWN Act Day in North Carolina

Celebrating CROWN Act Day in North Carolina: What Employers Need to Know

In 2022, Governor Roy Cooper proclaimed July 3rd “National CROWN Act Day” in North Carolina, signifying a step in the right direction towards ending race-based discrimination. “CROWN” stands for “Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair.”

While there is no federal counterpart, CROWN Acts throughout the nation prohibit discrimination based on hair texture and hairstyles commonly associated with race including braids, locs, twists, cornrows, Bantu knots, Afros, and headwraps. Historically, discriminatory employment policies based on hairstyle have marginalized employees, affected employees’ well-being and performance, and led to lawsuits. For North Carolina employers, implementing the state CROWN Act’s principles can prevent racial discrimination based on hairstyles and create a more supportive work environment for all employees.

Here is a list of actionable steps you can take to ensure that your business complies with the

CROWN Act:

1. Review and Update Policies: Ensure that employee handbooks, grooming policies, and training materials are compliant with the CROWN Act. Policies that adversely affect individuals based on their hairstyle should be revised or omitted.
   

2. Train Employees: Educate staff about the CROWN Act and the importance of respecting all hairstyles associated with different races and cultures. Sensitivity training can help prevent unconscious biases from influencing workplace interactions and employment decisions.
   

3. Promote Inclusivity: Foster a workplace culture that embraces diversity and inclusivity. Encouraging open dialogue about cultural differences and the significance of various hairstyles may help achieve this goal.

National CROWN Act Day serves as a reminder of the ongoing fight against race-based discrimination and the importance of inclusivity in all aspects of society, including the workplace. For North Carolina employers, the day is a call to action to support a diverse and inclusive work environment where all employees feel welcome, which might start with dialogue, training, and policy updates.