The Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair (CROWN) Act aims to amend the Revised Code to prohibit discrimination based on hair texture and protective hairstyles in public and private primary and secondary schools. It introduces a new section, 3313.6612, which defines "public or private primary or secondary school" and expands the definition of "race" to include traits associated with an individual's race, such as hair texture and styles like braids, locks, and twists. The bill mandates that schools cannot discriminate against individuals based on these traits and allows for civil actions against schools that violate this provision.

In addition to the new section, the bill amends existing sections 3314.03, 3326.11, 3328.24, and 4112.01 to ensure compliance with the new anti-discrimination measures, requiring schools to maintain a non-discriminatory environment and outlining individuals' rights to seek legal recourse for discrimination based on hair. The CROWN Act also repeals certain existing sections related to community schools and civil rights, streamlining the legal framework and reinforcing the importance of inclusivity and respect for cultural identity in educational settings. Overall, the bill seeks to create a more equitable atmosphere for individuals of diverse backgrounds in Ohio's educational institutions.

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