Prohibits certain discriminatory practices on the basis of race
If passed, the bill will directly impact educational institutions receiving state financial assistance or enrolling pupils who receive state student financial aid. These institutions will be required to ensure non-discriminatory practices concerning hair texture and hairstyles commonly associated with particular racial or ethnic origins. However, the bill also includes provisions that allow educational institutions to enforce safety regulations, such as requiring hair to be secured in specific technical courses, thereby providing a balance between safety and non-discrimination.
House Bill 284 proposes the introduction of the 'Missouri Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair Act' (Missouri CROWN Act). This bill seeks to amend Chapter 160 of the Revised Statutes of Missouri by adding specific provisions that prohibit discrimination based on a person's hair texture or protective hairstyle when it relates to education programs or activities funded by state financial assistance. The term 'protective hairstyles' is defined to include various styles that safeguard textured hair, such as braids, locks, twists, and afros, thereby recognizing the cultural significance of these hairstyles within specific racial contexts.
There may be points of contention regarding the bill's implications for religious organizations. The proposed law allows exceptions for educational institutions controlled by religious organizations if the application of such provisions conflicts with religious tenets. This aspect may raise debates about the intersection of civil rights and religious freedoms, especially in how various institutions interpret these guidelines and the potential for unequal application based on religious affiliations.