Angela Onwuachi-Willig, dean of the Boston University School of Law, said people of color are essentially being required to straighten their hair “to satisfy a physical standard of professionalism that has been defined by white appearance norms.” (Photo: Doug Levy/Boston University)
Attorneys in recent weeks have churned out dozens of client advisories on the five biggest employment issues to watch in 2023. The list from Ena Diaz, a partner with FordHarrison in Miami, includes one that isn’t on most lists: discrimination based on hairstyles.
Earlier this month, Minnesota became the latest state to pass the CROWN Act, or Create a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair. Starting in 2019 with California, 18 states and numerous localities have enacted legislation that prohibits discrimination based on hair texture or style related to a particular race or national origin.
