The proposed bill, known as the Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair Act (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 include discrimination based on protected hairstyles alongside other forms of discrimination based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, religion, or marital status. This ensures that students cannot be excluded from participation in educational programs or activities due to their hairstyle.

Additionally, the bill amends sections related to K-12 student rights and private school obligations under the state school choice scholarship program. It clarifies that the term "race" includes traits historically associated with race, such as hair texture and protected hairstyles, thereby reinforcing the prohibition of discrimination in educational settings. The effective date for this act is set for July 1, 2025.

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