Illinois Enacts the CROWN Act to Prohibit Hair Discrimination in the Workplace

On June 29, 2022, Governor Pritzker signed the CROWN (Create a Respectful and Open Workplace for Natural Hair) Act into law. The Act amends the Illinois Human Rights Act (775 ILCS 5/1-101 et seq.) by expanding the definition of “race” to include “traits historically associated with race, including but not limited to, hair texture and protective hairstyles such as braids, locks, and twists.” The amended definition expands these protections to other areas covered under the Illinois Human Rights Act, including employment, housing, financial transactions, and public accommodations. The legislation goes into effect on January 1, 2023. To prepare, employers should proactively review and update their grooming and appearance policies to ensure compliance. 

Please contact a member of AGHL’s Labor and Employment Group if you have any questions:

JAMES R. PIRAGES
PARTNER

815.414.5525
jpirages@aghllaw.com

EILEEN M. CAVER
PARTNER

815.414.5561
ecaver@aghllaw.com

EVAN J. BONNETT
PARTNER

815.414.5519
ebonnett@aghllaw.com

MARYJO F. PIRAGES REYNOLDS
PARTNER

815.414.5526
mreynolds@aghllaw.com