June 15, 2025
Governor Whitmer and Lt. Governor Gilchrist Celebrate the Two-Year Anniversary of CROWN Act in Michigan
LANSING, Mich. -- Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist II celebrate the two-year anniversary of Michigan’s bipartisan CROWN (Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair) Act, which they championed and enacted in 2023, protecting Black Michiganders against hair discrimination. This law removes unjust barriers in schools, and professional advancement, helping to ensure that an individual is not denied 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 Governor 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.”
“The CROWN Act is about dignity, freedom, and the right to show up as yourself at school or your job,” said Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist II. “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.”
“Two years ago, I was proud to stand with Gov. Whitmer as she signed the CROWN Act into law,” said state Senator Sarah Anthony (D-Lansing). “I remember the countless stories shared throughout the process—students sent home from school and professionals passed over for promotions, just because of the way they chose to wear their hair. These weren’t isolated incidents either, but patterns of bias that demanded action. To every Michigander who now feels empowered to wear their natural curls, braids, or locs with confidence, hear me when I say: you are enough, just as you are.”
“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!”
“The Crown Act is more than legislation—it’s a long overdue Love letter to our roots, a declaration that Blackness in its natural, textured glory is not just acceptable, but sacred,” said Byron D. “MoSoul” Brooks, BLAC Member. “From locs to afros, our hair tells a story of resistance, resilience, and Revival—and we will never again let systems silence that narrative.”
"The anniversary of the CROWN Act is a profound reminder of our collective progress toward affirming dignity and authenticity,” said DeAndra Larkin, CEO, YWCA of Greater Flint. “At the YWCA of Greater Flint, we believe no one should have to choose between their identity and opportunity. This legislation not only protects against discrimination, it celebrates the right to show up fully in classrooms, boardrooms, and beyond."
"Happy National CROWN Day, also known as Black Hair Independence Day! While California was the first state to pass this legislation on July 3, 2019,” said Wendy Fields, President of Metropolitan Kalamazoo Branch NAACP. “It is monumental that Michigan and other states have also followed suit. It is my hope that all 50 states will pass the CROWN Act to end hair-based discrimination in schools and the workplace, which disproportionally impacts Black people! Our crown is our glory! So be bold, be proud and let's push for a federal CROWN Act!"
CROWN ACT
Under current law the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act expands the definition of race to ban hair discrimination. This law prohibits race-based hair discrimination, or the denial of employment and educational opportunities because of hair texture or protective hairstyles such as braids, locs, twists, or Bantu knots. The Black Leadership Advisory Council included the CROWN Act as a key priority in their 2022 report to Governor Whitmer.
Originally passed in 1976, ELCRA prohibits discriminatory practices, policies, and customs in the exercise of those rights based upon religion, race, color, national origin, age, sex, height, weight, familial status, or marital status. Today’s changes to the ELCRA further protect Michiganders from discrimination by including hair discrimination in the act.
Michigan became the 23rd state to sign the CROWN Act into law.
###
Author:
