Signed on June 15, 2023, the bipartisan act works to protect Black Michiganders against hair discrimination.
LANSING, Mich. — This weekend, Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist II are celebrating the two-year anniversary of the CROWN (Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair) Act in Michigan.
Signed on June 15, 2023, the bipartisan act works to protect Black Michiganders against hair discrimination.
Whitmer said the law removes unjust barriers in school and professional advancement to ensure people aren’t denied an opportunity because of the texture or style of their hair.
“Everyone deserves to show up as their full, authentic self without fear of being punished for how their hair grows or how they choose to wear it,” said Whitmer. “Two years ago, we took action to protect Black Michiganders from hair discrimination, and today we reaffirm our commitment to dignity and respect for all. Let’s keep working together to build a state where every Michigander, no matter who they are or where they live, can thrive.”
Gilchrist echoed Whitmer’s statement, emphasizing the act’s importance for personal expression.
“The CROWN Act is about dignity, freedom, and the right to show up as yourself at school or your job,” said Gilchrist. “Two years after signing the CROWN Act, we remain committed to building a state where everyone can reach their full potential and be their best selves—and be respected and valued exactly as they are.”
The Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act (ELCRA) was originally passed in 1976 and prohibits discriminatory practices, policies and customs based on religion, race, color, national origin, age, sex, height, weight, familial status, or marital status.
The CROWN Act expands the definition of race in ELCRA to ban race-based hair discrimination or the denial of employment or educational opportunities due to hair texture or protective hairstyles.
The Black Leadership Advisory Council (BLAC) included the CROWN Act as a key priority when they gave their 2022 report to Whitmer.
“The CROWN Act is more than legislation… it’s a declaration that our roots, and coils, our braids, locs, and twist, are to be celebrated and not up for debate,” said Nyesha Clark-Young, Artivist – BLAC Arts & Culture Committee. “On this anniversary, we honor the freedom to show up as our whole selves. Our hair is not just style—it’s heritage, resistance, and joy. And all of our hair is GOOD!”
Michigan was the 23rd state to sign the CROWN Act into law.
