CUYAHOGA COUNTY, OH— Cuyahoga County Council has officially passed the CROWN Act, making it the first county in Ohio and one of the latest jurisdictions in the nation to ban hair discrimination. The legislation, authored by Councilman Michael J. Houser, Sr., ensures that no resident will face bias or penalties for wearing natural hairstyles such as braids, locs, twists, or afros.

“This is a historic day for Cuyahoga County,” said Councilman Michael J. Houser, Sr. “Passing the CROWN Act affirms that our community values equity, dignity, and freedom of expression for all residents. No one should ever be forced to change their natural hair to be accepted in a workplace, or anywhere in public life. I am proud that Cuyahoga County is leading the way in Ohio.”

Community leaders echoed Houser’s remarks and praised his leadership in championing the legislation.

Kelli Joy Richardson, Founder and CEO of The House of JOY, LLC, and member of the CROWN Act Coalition, said: “Councilman Houser, I am thrilled to support you as you bring the CROWN Act to Cuyahoga County—my hometown! And I’m thrilled to have the freedom to finally wear my natural hair how I choose in workplaces, conference rooms, and boardrooms.”

Advocates note that while Cuyahoga County has taken decisive action, the movement continues to gain strength nationally.

Dr. Adjoa B. Asamoah, who leads the national CROWN Act Coalition and is widely recognized as the architect of the movement, applauded the County’s leadership.

“For seven consecutive years, I have worked tirelessly in tandem with leaders across the country to shift laws as well as culture, and mitigate the physical, psychological, and economic harm caused by race-based hair discrimination,” said Dr. Asamoah. “Grooming policies that enforce Eurocentric standards of beauty and reinforce myopic notions of professionalism perpetuate racial inequity. Since conceptualizing policy change to redress the problematic practices and developing the nationwide legislative, social impact, and coalition-building strategies for the movement in 2018, I have maintained the statutory protection the CROWN Act provides is critically important at the local, state, and federal levels. I am grateful for dedicated lawmakers who value the power of partnership, and I applaud Councilman Michael J. Houser Sr. in addition to his colleagues for passing it in Cuyahoga County.”

“Enlightened Solutions is proud to support the passage of the CROWN Act in Cuyahoga County,” said Enlightened Solutions. “We believe this is a vital first step toward building a more equitable and inclusive Northeast Ohio where everyone can show up fully as themselves.”

Federal representatives underscored that the fight continues in Washington.

“Congratulations to Cuyahoga County Councilman Michael Houser and the entire County Council for passing the CROWN Act,” said Ohio Congresswoman Shontel Brown. “For too long, Black Americans have been told to cut or change their natural hair at work and in professional settings. That’s not just wrong—it’s discrimination, plain and simple. I’m proud to support the CROWN Act at the federal level, but until Congress acts, local leadership like this is vital to protecting people in Northeast Ohio.”

About the CROWN Act
The CROWN Act, which stands for Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair, is a nationwide movement to end hair-based discrimination. First introduced in California in 2019, the legislation has since passed in over 20 states and dozens of cities and counties across the United States.