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 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 students cannot be excluded from participation in educational programs or activities based on their protected hairstyle, thereby reinforcing the commitment to nondiscrimination alongside existing protections based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, religion, and marital status.

Additionally, the bill updates 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 clarifies that the term "race" includes traits historically associated with race, such as hair texture and type. The effective date for the implementation of this act is set for July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
H 235 Filed: 1000.05, 1002.20, 1002.421