Florida Senator Shevrin Jones (SD-34) and House Democratic Leader Fentrice Driskell (HD-67) filed the “Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair Act” or “CROWN Act” — SB 252 & HB 235. Today, 27 states have similar laws in place to protect against hair discrimination based on texture and styles.
“Black and brown people, especially women of color, encounter hair discrimination at work, school, and throughout their daily lives. Stemming from a long history of bias, this leads to systemic disadvantages in employment and education opportunities. The CROWN Act is a critical protection that’s needed here in Florida given these very tangible real-world consequences. Discrimination against natural hair attacks a fundamental part of our identity and cultural heritage. Black hair, in all its diverse forms and styles, is beautiful, and everyone should be able to express their cultural identity without facing prejudice,” said Senator Shevrin Jones.
“Our children should be able to focus on learning in school, not worry about being punished for how they wear their natural hair. I’ve heard troubling stories of students being told they couldn’t walk at graduation or participate in sports unless they cut or concealed their hair. This bill puts an end to that kind of discrimination and ensures every student is treated with dignity and respect.
This session, I’m proud to partner with Tampa-based nonprofit Black Girls Govern to advance this important legislation. Together, we’re mobilizing CROWN Act Fellows and engaging local businesses to help support this bill. With the help of young people and my colleague, Senator Shevrin Jones, I’m hopeful there’s a path forward for this legislation.” said Leader Fentrice Driskell.
The CROWN Act was created in 2019 by Dove and the CROWN Coalition, in partnership with then State Senator Holly J. Mitchell of California. The CROWN act was created to ensure protection against discrimination based on race-based hairstyles by extending statutory protection to hair texture and protective styles such as braids, locs, twists, and knots in the workplace and public schools.
Hair discrimination often affects people of color and clearly has no basis in professional or academic performance. No person should lose their job or be sent home from school for wearing protective styles or wearing their hair in its natural state.
The most recent federal legislation for the CROWN Act was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives in May 2024.