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Missouri senator files CROWN Act bill to bar hairstyle discrimination in schools
Summary
Senate Bill 38, sponsored by Senator Barbara Ann Washington, would create a Missouri CROWN Act to prohibit some discriminatory practices tied to hairstyles in elementary and secondary schools; the transcript cites examples of exclusions and disciplinary actions in other states.
Senator Barbara Ann Washington of Kansas City said she is sponsoring Senate Bill 38 to create the "Missouri Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair" (CROWN) Act, which would prohibit certain discriminatory practices related to hairstyles in elementary and secondary schools.
Supporters and the transcript noted practical consequences of hairstyle-based discrimination in school settings, citing examples such as being excluded from extracurricular activities and, in some states, students being prevented from graduating until they cut their hair. "Being kicked out of school, being treated unfairly, bullied, prevented from doing extracurricular activities, proms, Not our state, but there is even states where they couldn't even graduate from high school until they cut their hair," an unidentified speaker said in the recording.
The transcript does not record a legislative vote on SB38 or provide committee status, amendments or a timeline for action. The sponsor is named; further details on enforcement mechanisms, scope, or exceptions were not included in the provided excerpts.
