Iowa Senate Bill SF318

Iowa 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/13/25
• Refer: 2/13/25

Caption

A bill for an act prohibiting discrimination based on an individual's texture or style of hair.

Impact

The passage of SF318 is expected to have a substantial effect on state laws, particularly those relating to employment, education, and civil rights. By codifying the prohibition against discrimination based on hairstyle, the bill marks a significant step in recognizing the cultural significance of certain hairstyles and aims to foster an environment of inclusivity. It not only addresses social inequities faced by individuals with specific hair types but also aligns Iowa's laws with similar legislative measures adopted in other states.

Summary

Senate File 318, also known as the ‘CROWN Act’, aims to prohibit discrimination based on an individual’s texture or style of hair in several contexts, including schools, workplaces, and other areas that receive state financial assistance. The bill makes specific amendments to existing Iowa codes to include hair texture and natural or protective hairstyles within the definition of racial discrimination. This includes hairstyles such as braids, locs, twists, tight coils, curls, cornrows, bantu knots, afros, and headwraps, which are commonly associated with race.

Contention

The bill may encounter points of contention regarding its implications on personal and institutional policies. Critics may argue about the practicality of implementing such provisions, particularly in professional settings where appearance standards are often upheld. Furthermore, questions regarding the enforcement of these regulations could arise, as well as discussions on whether this bill might lead to unnecessary complications in dress code policies across educational institutions and workplaces. However, supporters argue that preventing discrimination on the basis of hairstyles should take precedence over such concerns.