The Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair (CROWN) Act aims to prohibit discrimination based on natural, protective, or cultural hairstyles in public schools and state-supported institutions of higher education in Arkansas. The bill defines "natural, protective, or cultural hairstyle" to include various styles such as afros, dreadlocks, twists, locs, braids, cornrow braids, Bantu knots, and curls. It explicitly states that school district administrators, board members, teachers, and employees cannot discriminate against students based on their hairstyles, while also noting that the Division of Youth Services is exempt from this provision.

Additionally, the bill amends the Arkansas Civil Rights Act of 1993 to include new definitions related to discrimination based on hairstyles. It specifies that discrimination "because of national origin" or "because of race" includes considerations of a person's natural, protective, or cultural hairstyle. The act aims to promote inclusivity and respect for diverse hairstyles, ensuring that students in Arkansas are not subjected to discrimination based on their hair.

Statutes affected:
Old version HB1576 V2 - 3-15-2023 09:53 AM: 16-123-102
Old version HB1576 V3 - 3-27-2023 11:23 AM: 16-123-102
HB 1576: 16-123-102
Act 514: 16-123-102