The Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair (CROWN) Act seeks to amend the Revised Code to prohibit discrimination based on hair texture and protective hairstyles in public and private primary and secondary schools, including preschools and chartered nonpublic schools. The bill introduces a new section, 3313.6612, which defines "race" to encompass traits associated with an individual's race, such as hair texture and styles like braids, locks, and twists. It prohibits schools from discriminating against individuals in any program or activity based on these traits and allows individuals to pursue civil actions against schools for violations, thereby promoting inclusivity and respect for diverse cultural identities.

In addition to these new provisions, the bill amends existing sections 3314.03, 3326.11, 3328.24, and 4112.01 of the Revised Code to ensure a discrimination-free educational environment regarding hair. The bill also outlines the responsibilities of community school sponsors, including compliance monitoring, performance evaluation, and technical assistance, while establishing guidelines for contract renewals and conditions for voiding contracts if a community school fails to open or closes prematurely. Overall, the CROWN Act emphasizes the importance of creating a supportive educational atmosphere and maintaining accountability within community schools.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 3314.03, 3326.11, 3328.24, 4112.01