Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker recently signed the CROWN (“Create a Respectful and Open Workplace for Natural Hair Act”) Act, a new law which prohibits employers from discriminating against their employees based on hairstyles historically associated with specific racial groups.

The CROWN Act expands the definition of “race” in the Illinois Human Rights Act to encompass “traits historically associated with race, including, but not limited to, hair texture and protective hairstyles such as braids, locks, and twists.” The CROWN Act is effective on January 1, 2023.

If you have any questions or need assistance regarding your obligations or rights in connection with the CROWN Act, please contact any of the attorneys in GCT’s Employment Law Practice Group.