The bill, titled 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 amends existing statutes to define "protected hairstyle" as hair characteristics historically associated with race, including textures and styles such as afros, braids, locks, and twists. The bill explicitly prohibits discrimination against students based on their protected hairstyles, ensuring they cannot be excluded from participation in educational programs or activities due to their hairstyle. Additionally, it updates the definitions of race and protected hairstyles in the context of nondiscrimination requirements for both public K-12 institutions and private schools participating in state scholarship programs.

The bill also makes several amendments to existing laws, including the removal of certain phrases and the addition of new definitions to enhance clarity regarding discrimination based on race and hairstyle. For instance, it specifies that the term "race" includes traits historically associated with race, such as hair texture and protected hairstyles. The effective date for this legislation is set for July 1, 2025.

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