New York: CROWN Act Effective Immediately

By Collazo Florentino & Keil LLP

July 17, 2019

On July 12, 2019, Governor Andrew Cuomo signed into law the CROWN Act, which amends the New York State Human Rights Law by adding “traits historically associated with race, including but not limited to hair texture and protective hairstyles” to the definition of race. The law specifically prohibits businesses from having policies on braids, locks, and twists, though the list is not exhaustive. This enactment is effective immediately and follows the New York City Commission on Human Rights’s guidance on race discrimination on the basis of hair, which states that employer policies on appearance and grooming that ban, limit, or otherwise restrict natural hair or hairstyles may be unlawful under the New York City Human Rights Law. For additional information, please contact any attorney at the firm.

This Advisory is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. If you have any questions about anything contained in this Advisory, please contact Collazo Florentino & Keil LLP. All rights reserved. Attorney Advertising.