California becomes first US state to ban discrimination over natural hairstyles

The law prohibits employers and schools from enforcing rules against styles that would unfairly target black people

California became the first state in the US to ban discrimination over natural hair on Wednesday.

Governor Gavin Newsom signed the Creating a Respectful and Open Workplace (Crown) Act into law, prohibiting employers and schools from enforcing rules against hairstyles including afros, braids, twists, and locks. Workplace policies that prohibit such styles have serious economic and health consequences, especially for black individuals, the bill said.