Rep. Brent Reintroduces C.R.O.W.N. Act to Combat Hair Discrimination in Ohio Schools

COLUMBUS – State Rep. Juanita O. Brent (D-Cleveland) today announced the reintroduction of the C.R.O.W.N. Act (Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair), a bipartisan bill aimed at ending hair-based discrimination in Ohio's public schools. 

The legislation, backed by both Democratic and Republican lawmakers, ensures that students are protected from discrimination based on hair texture and protective hairstyles—including braids, locs, twists, and afros—that are commonly associated with race.

“No student should be punished or excluded from learning because of the way their hair naturally grows or how they choose to wear it to embrace their culture,” said Rep. Brent “The C.R.O.W.N. Act affirms that every child in Ohio deserves to show up as their full self, without facing bias or discipline because of their appearance.”

Hair discrimination has disproportionately impacted Black students, who have been subjected to unfair dress code enforcement, disciplinary actions, and social stigmas for wearing natural or protective hairstyles.

This reintroduced version of the C.R.O.W.N. Act reflects conversations with students, parents, educators, and advocates statewide, and builds on momentum from previous efforts in Ohio and similar laws already passed in more than 20 states.

“This is not just a cultural issue—it's an educational equity issue,” said Rep. Brent. “Bipartisan support for this bill shows that Ohio is ready to take real steps to create safe, inclusive learning environments for all our students.”

The C.R.O.W.N. Act applies to all public schools and explicitly prohibits school policies that discriminate based on hairstyles historically associated with race.

Rep. Brent is urging swift passage of the bill this General Assembly and invites students, families, and education leaders to join the movement for hair equity in Ohio schools.