Kansas City, Missouri, is the latest jurisdiction to implement a “CROWN Act” ordinance, prohibiting discrimination based on natural hair types and hairstyles commonly associated with race and racial identity.
What Kansas City’s Ordinance Says
Ordinance 200837, known as the “Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair (CROWN) Act,” took effect on November 1. The ordinance modifies the definition of race to include “traits historically associated with race.” Such traits include but aren’t limited to braids, locks, twists, afros, and hair texture.
The ordinance prohibits discrimination in employment, housing, brokerage services, commercial real estate loans, public accommodations, and other related contexts. As a result, Kansas City businesses and employers that maintain appearance policies should carefully review any restrictions or other consequences placed on hairstyle and work with counsel to ensure compliance with the new ordinance...
Source: HR Daily Advisor