The proposed bill, titled 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 amends existing statutes to define "protected hairstyle" as hair characteristics historically associated with race, including styles such as afros, braids, locks, or 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 modifies the criteria for admission to educational programs to prevent restrictions based on protected hairstyles.

Furthermore, 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 extending nondiscrimination protections to these characteristics. The bill mandates that all educational programs and activities must be accessible without discrimination based on race, ethnicity, national origin, gender, disability, religion, marital status, or protected hairstyles. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

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