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 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 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. The amendments ensure that all educational programs and activities are accessible without discrimination based on these characteristics. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

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