HB 20-1048: CROWN Act of 2020 - Summary

• Prohibits discrimination based on hair texture, hair type, or protective hairstyles (braids, locs, twists, cornrows, Bantu knots, afros, headwraps) that are historically associated with race in schools, workplaces, housing, and public accommodations.

• Expands the definition of "race" in Colorado anti-discrimination laws to explicitly include hair-based characteristics commonly associated with African, Jewish, Latinx, and Native American descent.

• Applies protections to all school types including traditional public schools, charter schools, institute charter schools, and pilot schools in student enrollment and employee hiring/transfer decisions.

• Prevents state education board from waiving anti-discrimination provisions related to hair texture and protective hairstyles in any school type.

• Takes effect August 5, 2020, subject to voter approval if a referendum petition is filed within 90 days of final adjournment.