Gov. Mike Kehoe on July 9 signed legislation into law prohibiting K-12 schools from discriminating against students based on natural hairstyles or texture. The House of Representatives granted final passage to the bill in May on a vote of 117-11, with 27 members voting “present,” while the Senate passed it 32-1.
The Missouri Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair Act, or CROWN Act, prohibits “discrimination based on the person's hair texture or protective hairstyle, if that protective hairstyle or texture is commonly associated with a particular race or origin.” It applies to both public schools and private schools that receive taxpayer funding.
Other provisions of the bill, Senate Bill 160, expand the number of doctoral program Missouri State University in Springfield is authorized to offer, prohibit colleges and universities from taking adverse action against student groups that discriminate based on their political or religious beliefs and provide legal immunity to those who seek medical assistance for hazing victims.