Alaska: The CROWN Act (HB177)
Adopted: July 2022 Bill Number: HB177 Governor: Mike Dunleavy Status: Enacted
Alaska enacted its CROWN Act in July 2022 when Governor Mike Dunleavy signed HB177. Governor Dunleavy, a Republican, made Alaska the most geographically remote state with CROWN Act protections, further demonstrating the universal and bipartisan nature of the legislation.
Key Provisions
Alaska Human Rights Law amendment. HB177 amends the state’s anti-discrimination framework to include hair texture and protective hairstyles within the definition of race.
Employment and public accommodation. The legislation covers employment decisions and public accommodations, protecting Alaskans from discrimination based on natural hair characteristics.
Alaska State Commission for Human Rights. The commission has jurisdiction over hair-related discrimination complaints under the amended statute.
Alaska Context
Alaska’s adoption is notable for its geographic and political context. As the most geographically remote state and one governed by a Republican, Alaska’s enactment reinforced two important patterns in the CROWN Act movement: the legislation’s geographic reach beyond the continental Lower 48, and its continued bipartisan appeal.
Alaska’s diverse population includes significant Alaska Native, African American, and other communities of colour. Military installations in Alaska, which employ diverse personnel and have historically maintained strict grooming standards, provided a particular context for the legislation.
The state’s relatively small but diverse population benefits from clear anti-discrimination standards. In smaller communities, where employment options are limited, discriminatory grooming policies can have disproportionate economic impact on individuals with textured hair.
For Alaska’s place in the broader legislative progression, see the CROWN Act timeline. For analysis of the research evidence, see Data Behind the CROWN Act.
For detailed legal analysis of Alaska’s CROWN Act provisions, contact contact@crown.ngo.