Maryland: The CROWN Act (SB531)
Adopted: May 2020 Bill Number: SB531 Governor: Larry Hogan Status: Enacted
Maryland enacted its CROWN Act in May 2020 when Governor Larry Hogan signed SB531. Governor Hogan, a Republican, became one of the first Republican governors to sign CROWN Act legislation, establishing the bipartisan nature of hair discrimination protections.
Key Provisions
Fair Employment Practices Act amendment. SB531 amends Maryland’s anti-discrimination framework to include hair texture and protective hairstyles as characteristics protected under the definition of race.
Employment and education coverage. The legislation covers both workplace discrimination and school grooming policies, protecting employees and students from hair-based bias.
Maryland Commission on Civil Rights. The commission has authority to receive and investigate complaints of hair-related discrimination, applying the same enforcement mechanisms used for other forms of race discrimination.
Maryland Context
Maryland’s demographics made the state particularly relevant for hair discrimination legislation. With approximately 1.8 million Black residents, constituting roughly 30% of the state’s population, Maryland has one of the largest proportions of Black residents of any state. Baltimore, Prince George’s County, and the DC suburbs are home to thriving African American communities.
Governor Hogan’s signature was politically significant. As a Republican governor signing civil rights legislation, Hogan demonstrated that hair discrimination protections need not be a partisan issue. This bipartisan endorsement strengthened the CROWN Act movement’s credibility and made it easier for legislators in conservative-leaning states to support similar bills.
Maryland’s proximity to Washington, DC, and its large federal workforce added practical significance. Many Maryland residents work in federal agencies and government contractors where formal grooming standards have historically been a source of discrimination.
For the broader movement context, see the CROWN Act timeline. For analysis of lessons for European jurisdictions, see Lessons from the CROWN Act for Europe.
For detailed legal analysis of Maryland’s CROWN Act provisions, contact contact@crown.ngo.