A bill aimed at ending hair-based discrimination in Missouri’s public schools has cleared the state legislature and is now awaiting the Governor’s signature.
Missouri Senator Barbara Anne Washington (D-Kansas City) announced that the Creating an Open World for Natural Hair (CROWN) Act passed on Monday, May 12. The legislation now sits on Governor Mike Kehoe’s desk for final approval.
The bill specifically bans discrimination based on hair texture and protective hairstyles in elementary and secondary public schools across Missouri.
“Prohibiting hair-based discrimination has been a priority of mine since taking the oath of office,” Washington said. “Young people of the African diaspora deserve to be treated fairly and encouraged to embrace their heritage, regardless of their natural hair or protective hairstyles.”
In addition to banning hair discrimination, Senate Bill 160 also includes provisions to toughen college hazing laws. It seeks to hold student organizations accountable and ensure safer campus environments throughout the state.
