Prosecutor and advocates urge statewide 'Crown Act' to ban hair-based discrimination in schools

Supporters of House Bill 415 displayed bipartisan, civil-rights–focused testimony before the House Education Committee, asking lawmakers to enact the Crown Act to prohibit discrimination in schools based on hair texture and protective hairstyles.

Shayla Favor, Franklin County prosecuting attorney, testified in favor of the bill and described the issue as “deeply personal.” Favor said the measure would prohibit public schools from discriminating against students “on the basis of hair texture or protective hairstyles” and would provide families recourse when discrimination occurs. Favor said Columbus had adopted a local Crown Act ordinance and that several Ohio localities already recognize hair-based…