By: Kennedy Byrd
Hair discrimination, particularly against Black individuals, has been a longstanding issue plaguing workplaces and educational institutions across the United States. In response to this pervasive form of bias, various states have enacted the Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair (CROWN) Act, aiming to prohibit race-based hair discrimination.[1] However, in Florida, while progress has been made with the passage of local ordinances in Broward County and Miami Beach, the journey towards comprehensive statewide legislation has been met with challenges.[2]
The 2023 Workplace Research Study revealed alarming statistics, indicating that Black women’s hair is two and a half times more likely to be perceived as unprofessional and over 20% of Black women 25-34 were sent home from work due to their hair.[3] This discrimination not only impacts employment opportunities but also extends to educational settings, where students may face undue scrutiny and barriers to their academic and personal growth.[4] The CROWN Act protects Black and brown people from the systematic racism that effects their livelihoods, such as losing a job or prevention from pursing an education. [5]
In response to these injustices, local governments in Florida have taken proactive measures to address hair discrimination. Broward County and City of Miami Beach have implemented ordinances that go beyond Title VII of the Civil Rights Act and the Florida Civil Rights Act, explicitly defining and prohibiting hair discrimination in employment practices.[6] These local initiatives provide crucial avenues for individuals to seek recourse against discriminatory practices in the workplace.[7] The human rights ordinances include hairstyle, hair texture as defined terms and attributed to race.[8]
Despite these advancements at the local level, efforts to enact comprehensive statewide legislation have faced significant hurdles in the Florida Legislature. While previously proposed bills have aimed to address hair discrimination in various contexts, such as housing and workplace, they have encountered resistance and ultimately failed to pass into law.[9] Despite this resistance, there is still a prevalent movement for change. SB 1608, sponsored by legislators Rep. Kamia L. Brown and Sen. Randolph Bracy have begun the focus on hair discrimination within the K-12 public education system.[10]
The challenges faced in the legislative process underscore the complexities of combating deep-rooted biases and institutionalized discrimination. Considering that hair discrimination begins at the early age of five and continues for one’s lifetime, it is fitting that Florida is starting with education.[11] Many students have been victimized. Logan Rentz, a JROTC student in Port Orange, who was prohibited from wearing his uniform due to his natural hair.[12] Jacob Rush, Honors student, was told that he needed to cut his locs in order to participate in graduation.[13] Or, Clinton Stanley Jr. who dressed in uniform for a private school was denied his first day of school because his locs extended past his shoulders. [14] Instances like these highlight the tangible impact of hair discrimination on children striving for personal and academic success.
Despite setbacks, there remains a resounding call to action for Floridians to advocate for inclusive policies that protect against hair discrimination in all spheres of life. As bills like SB 686 and H 643 are reintroduced in 2024 by Sen. Bobby Powell and Rep. Fentrice Driskell, it is imperative for citizens to rally behind efforts to ensure equality and dignity for all, regardless of race or hairstyle.[15] The bills continue to focus on K-12 public education and adds a defining term for “protective hairstyles” and “race” for purposes of antidiscrimination requirements within private schools in the state school choice scholarship program.[16]
In addition to legislative action, raising awareness and promoting education about the impact of hair discrimination is essential in fostering understanding and empathy among communities. Organizations and advocacy groups play a crucial role in this regard, working to dismantle stereotypes and promote diversity and inclusion. Businesses and educational institutions have a responsibility to implement policies that promote diversity and combat discrimination in all its forms. This includes fostering inclusive work environments where individuals are free to express themselves authentically, including through their choice of hairstyle.
Additionally, cultural competency training for employers and educators can help bridge gaps in understanding and prevent instances of discrimination based on race or hairstyle. By promoting dialogue and understanding, we can create environments where all individuals feel valued and respected, regardless of their appearance.
Ultimately, the fight against hair discrimination in Florida requires a multi-faceted approach, involving legislative action, community engagement, and cultural change. While progress may be slow and obstacles may arise, the importance of standing up for equality and justice remains paramount. Together, we can work towards a future where every individual is treated with dignity and respect, regardless of their hair texture or style.
[1]About, The Crown Act, https://www.thecrownact.com/about.
[2] Id.
[3] Research Studies, The Crown Act, https://www.thecrownact.com/research-studies.
[4] Jasmine Payne-Patterson, The Crown Act: A jewel for combating racial discrimination in the workplace and classroom, Economic Policy Institute (Jul. 26, 2023) https://www.epi.org/publication/crown-act/.
[5] Id.
[6] Elizabeth Stewart, Protecting the Local CROWN: Combing Through Florida’s Ordinances Prohibiting Discrimination Based on Hairstyles and Textures, Littler (Jul. 21, 2023), https://www.littler.com/publication-press/publication/protecting-local-crown-combing-through-floridas-ordinances-prohibiting.
[7] Id.
[8] Id.
[9] Erica Van Buren, Florida bill that would ban hair discrimination against Black people poised to fail 3rd time, The Daytona Beach News-Journal (Jan. 28, 2022),
[10] Id.
[11] Race-based hair discrimination starts early, Dove, https://www.dove.com/us/en/stories/campaigns/as-early-as-five.html#:~:text=Hair%20discrimination%20against%20Black%20natural,coils%2C%20waves%20and%20protective%20styles.
[12] Cassidy Alexander, A Black JROTC student says he’s being harassed after refusing to cut off his hair, The Daytona Beach News-Journal (Nov. 27, 2021), https://www.news-journalonline.com/story/news/education/2021/11/27/black-jrotc-student-cant-wear-uniform-because-he-wont-cut-his-hair/8656378002/.
[13]Ezekiel J. Walker, Florida H.S. apologizes after telling student to cut locs for graduation, The Black Wall Street Times (Nov. 29, 2022),
[14] N’dea Yancey-Bragg, Florida school faces backlash for rejecting 6-year-old with dreadlocks, USA Today (Aug. 16, 2018), https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation-now/2018/08/16/florida-school-faces-backlash-rejecting-6-year-old-dreadlocks/1010132002/.
[15]SB 686: Prohibited Discrimination Based on Hairstyle, The Florida Senate, https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2024/686/?Tab=RelatedBills.
[16] Id.
