Prohibits certain discriminatory practices on the basis of race

HB 284, the Missouri CROWN Act, prohibits educational institutions receiving state financial aid or serving students with state financial aid from discriminating against students based on hair texture or protective hairstyles (like braids, locks, twists, or afros) that are commonly associated with race. It defines "protective hairstyles" as those designed to protect natural hair and explicitly bans discrimination based on these styles in school programs. Exceptions allow schools to require hair nets or secured hair for safety in career/technical classes and permit religious institutions to exempt themselves if the rule conflicts with their tenets. The bill directly affects public and private schools, colleges, and student programs receiving state or federal education funding.