Cuyahoga County Council adopts Crown Act ordinance banning hair-based discrimination

Cuyahoga County Council voted 10-1 on Oct. 14 to adopt Ordinance 20250004, prohibiting discrimination on the basis of a person’s hair texture or hairstyles commonly associated with a particular race or national origin in housing, employment and places of public accommodation.

The ordinance’s sponsor, Councilman Houser, urged colleagues to approve the measure as a protection for residents who want to “show up as their authentic self.” Councilwoman Turner framed the ordinance as a civil-rights and dignity issue, saying the measure ends “discrimination disguised as policy” and protects residents’ ability to participate in schools, workplaces and public life without changing their natural hair.

Turner credited federal and state lawmakers and local advocates for laying groundwork on the issue and said the county’s action is an effort to extend those protections locally. “This legislation says no more — no more forcing our young people to choose between their identity and opportunity,” Turner said.

One councilmember raised a concern in committee and again at the floor vote, saying the county already has anti-discrimination protections and that a narrowly targeted ordinance could have unforeseen consequences. That member opposed the ordinance; the clerk recorded the final tally as 10 in favor and 1 opposed.

The ordinance will be added to the Cuyahoga County code in the sections referenced during its reading and will be enforced in the county’s responsibilities over housing, employment and public accommodations where the county has authority. The council did not identify a separate effective date during the floor action; the measure was adopted at third reading.

Council President Miller called the roll for the final vote immediately after floor debate; the motion carried by the recorded vote noted above.

Supporters at the meeting included multiple community organizations and individuals who gave public comment endorsing the measure prior to the vote.

The council’s adoption makes Cuyahoga County among the local governments in the region to adopt countywide protections against hair discrimination; sponsors said they will work with municipalities and partners to encourage broader adoption across the county.