hair

The so-called Crown Act was signed by Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe on July 9. Missouri became the 28th state to pass legislation that makes it illegal to discriminate based on the texture or style of one's hair.

Missouri has banned medical gender-affirming care for youth and some adults since 2023. But other forms of gender-affirming care is happening in the state — including haircuts, facial waxing and photography — and advocates say it's saving lives.

Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe also signed a bill that seeks to support victims of college hazing, and a bill expanding the use of baby safe boxes.

The state could soon join 27 others banning hair discrimination if Gov. Mike Kehoe signs the proposal into law.

The bill includes a provision prohibiting discrimination against natural Black hairstyles. But many House Democrats argue it also contains language that could protect campus student groups that engage in discriminatory behavior.

Missouri is one of 27 states that have yet to pass an act protecting Black people from hair discrimination at work and school, but there are grassroots efforts to relearn how to love and care for afro-texture hair.

The Lawrence City Commission will take a final vote on Aug. 22 to pass the CROWN Act, which stands for "Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair." The ordinance would protect Black people from race-related hair discrimination in the workplace.

During the holiday season, some parents don’t have the money to spare for a haircut and style. Kansas City barbers stopped by a local elementary school to make sure students look and feel good before winter break starts.

On the last day before the legislature takes a week off, the House also passed legislation creating nurseries in women’s prisons and a measure to prevent local officials from closing churches in a pandemic.

"The CROWN Act is a very necessary step in ensuring equity and addressing the silent but very real barrier of implicit bias,” says Kansas City Councilwoman Ryana Parks-Shaw.

How all-virtual school has been fairing for Kansas City Public Schools, the Kansas City Council unanimously passed the CROWN Act and the Kansas City Actors Theatre is pivoting to radio performances.

Kansas City would be one of only a few cities in the country to make hair discrimination illegal.