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Pittsburgh hairstyle law changed, removing protection for facial hair

PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh City Council members approved a change to a law protecting city residents from discrimination based on their hairstyles. Despite pleas from the city’s Commission on Human Relations, the law takes out language protecting beards and other facial hair.

According to our partners at TribLive.com, the CROWN Act was put in place in October and spelled out protections for residents who have hairstyles that are reflective of their culture and ethnicity, like dreadlocks and braids. CROWN stands for Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair.

How far the law’s protections extend was debated by the city council after a police officer wanted to grow a beard. It was against the department’s policy, but the officer believed he was protected under the CROWN Act.

The change to the law passed with a 6-2 vote.