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 the K-20 public education system in Florida. 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 ensure that discrimination against students based on their protected hairstyles is explicitly prohibited, alongside other forms of discrimination based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, religion, or marital status.

Additionally, the bill clarifies definitions related to race and protected hairstyles in the context of K-12 nondiscrimination requirements and for private schools participating in the state school choice scholarship program. It emphasizes that all educational programs and activities must be accessible without discrimination based on these characteristics. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, reinforcing the commitment to inclusivity and respect for diverse hairstyles in educational settings.

Statutes affected:
H 387 Filed: 1000.05, 1002.20, 1002.421