The proposed bill, known as the Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair Act or CROWN Act, aims to prohibit discrimination based on hairstyle within Florida's K-20 public education system. It introduces the term "protected hairstyle," which encompasses hair characteristics historically associated with race, such as afros, braids, locks, and twists. The bill amends existing statutes to explicitly prohibit discrimination against students based on their protected hairstyles, ensuring that they cannot be excluded from participation in educational programs or activities due to their hairstyle. Additionally, the bill clarifies that the term "race" includes traits historically associated with race, including hair texture and type.

Furthermore, the bill extends its provisions to private schools participating in the state school choice scholarship program, mandating compliance with antidiscrimination requirements that include protected hairstyles. The amendments to sections 1000.05, 1002.20, and 1002.421 of the Florida Statutes reinforce the commitment to nondiscrimination in educational settings, ensuring that all students have equal access to educational opportunities regardless of their hairstyle. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
S 476 Filed: 1000.05, 1002.20, 1002.421