Every person deserves to live free from discrimination
150 million people with textured hair in Europe. Zero data. Zero legal protection. We are building both.
See our four focus areas
What gets measured gets changed
The CDI is Europe's first standardised metric for quantifying identity-based discrimination — developed in consultation with the University of Geneva.
Discover the CDI
Data that informs legislative deliberation
CROWN tracks anti-discrimination legislation across 53 jurisdictions and provides the quantitative evidence policymakers need.
View the trackerFour Pillars of Change
CROWN addresses identity-based discrimination through an integrated model: rigorous research, purpose-built technology, evidence-based healing, and data-driven advocacy.
Research
We measure discrimination. The CROWN Discrimination Index and Data Commons provide the quantitative foundation for evidence-based action.
Learn More →Innovation
We build the tools. CROWN's multi-sensor diagnostic technology, being developed with guidance from ETH Zürich, transforms subjective assessment into objective measurement.
Learn More →Healing
We address the human cost. CROWN's 360° Integrative Mind-Body Therapeutic Protocol provides structured clinical support for identity-based trauma.
Learn More →Advocacy
We provide the evidence for law. CROWN's legislative hub tracks anti-discrimination legislation and delivers data that informs policy deliberation.
Learn More →CROWN Discrimination Index
The state of hair discrimination in Europe
Europe has no standardised measurement infrastructure to quantify the prevalence, track the evolution, or enforce the prohibition of hair discrimination. CROWN is building what does not yet exist.
Explore the CROWN Discrimination Index
CROWN exists to dismantle identity-based discrimination through research, technology, and evidence-based advocacy.
Learn more about our role
Our work
From diagnostic technology to legislative advocacy, CROWN builds the measurement infrastructure that makes discrimination visible and actionable.
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Our story
Founded in Geneva by Yanina Soumaré and Seydou Soumaré, CROWN was born from lived experience and a determination to close the data gap in Europe.
Explore our storyThe Evidence
Data reveals the scale of identity-based discrimination. These statistics underpin CROWN's research agenda and the case for legislative action.
Black women's hair perceived as unprofessional compared to white women
Dove/LinkedIn CROWN Workplace Research Study, 2023
of Black girls aged 12 report hair-related teasing
University of Connecticut, 2025
of ethnic minorities in the EU experienced discrimination in the past year
OECD Combatting Discrimination in the EU, 2025
European countries with legislation specifically protecting natural hair
CROWN Legislative Tracker, 2026
of Black women change their hair for a job interview
Dove CROWN Coalition Research, 2023
of Black women feel they must alter their hair to fit in at the office
Dove CROWN Workplace Research Study, 2023
people with textured hair living in Europe
CROWN estimate based on Eurostat demographic data
US states have enacted the CROWN Act protecting natural hair
CROWN Legislative Tracker, 2026
vote in French National Assembly passing the Serva bill on hair discrimination
Assemblée nationale, March 2024
increased risk of uterine cancer associated with frequent chemical hair straightening
National Institutes of Health (NIH), 2022
annual spending on chemical straightening products in Europe
Euromonitor International, 2024
of Black employees report hair discrimination as their most common workplace microaggression
Dove/LinkedIn CROWN Workplace Research Study, 2023
Building Research Excellence
CROWN is developing research relationships with two of Switzerland's most distinguished academic institutions. Our CDI methodology is being developed with guidance from the University of Geneva's Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, and we are exploring diagnostic device engineering collaboration with ETH Zürich.
Registered in the Canton de Genève, CROWN operates at the nexus of international organisations, academic excellence, and European policy — the ideal foundation for building the measurement infrastructure Europe needs.
Learn moreIdeas
Read more Ideas
A History of Hair Discrimination in Europe
From colonial-era racial classification to contemporary workplace policies — tracing the historical roots of hair discrimination across Europe.
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African Diaspora Hair Culture in Europe
Hair culture among African diaspora communities in Europe — heritage, adaptation, and the cultural context shaping how textured hair is worn and understood.
Read moreRooted in Swiss Excellence
Academic Relationships
University of Geneva
CROWN is in active dialogue with the Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences on CDI methodology and clinical validation.
ETH Zürich
Diagnostic device engineering. CROWN is in advanced discussions regarding student project supervision on multi-sensor hair analysis technology.
Canton de Genève
CROWN is registered in the Geneva Commercial Register, at the heart of international organisations and European policy.
Our Journey
Key milestones in CROWN's development, from founding to institutional partnerships.
Association Founded
CROWN constituted as a Swiss association in Geneva, 9 February 2025. Statutes adopted under Articles 60 et seq. of the Swiss Civil Code.
Commercial Register Filed
Official registration with the Geneva Commercial Register, 2 March 2026. CROWN formally recognised as a legal entity in Switzerland.
CDI Pilot Study Initiated
Research dialogue with University of Geneva initiated. Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences engaged in exploratory discussions on CDI methodology and survey design.
ETH Zürich Dialogue Opened
CROWN in advanced discussions with ETH Zürich professor in biosensors and bioelectronics regarding supervision of student projects on multi-sensor diagnostic device.
360° Protocol Development
Clinical validation phase begun for the Integrative Mind-Body Therapeutic Protocol, created by Yanina Soumaré. Phase 1 case series in preparation.
Legislative Tracker Published
CROWN's comprehensive legislative tracker covering 24 US CROWN Act states, France, Switzerland, the UK, and all 27 EU member states made publicly available.
Knowledge Library Established
Over 50 original research-informed articles published across hair discrimination, hair science, identity, and European context — filling the information vacuum in European discourse.
Stay informed on our research and advocacy
Quarterly updates on discrimination research, legislative developments, and clinical programmes.
Foundation facts
More about CROWNResearch and advocacy data. Updated March 2026.
people with textured hair in Europe
European countries protecting natural hair
US states with CROWN Act legislation
jurisdictions in our legislative database
terms in our discrimination glossary
More about CROWN
Our role
Research, technology, and evidence that make identity-based discrimination measurable and actionable.
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How we work
The CROWN Discrimination Index, the Data Commons, diagnostic technology, and legislative analysis.
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Our story
Founded in Geneva by Yanina Soumaré and Seydou Soumaré to close the data gap in Europe.
Learn more