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Missouri governor signs laws restricting cellphones in schools and banning hair discrimination

On July 10, 2025, Missouri Governor Mike Parson signed a series of bills into law, including two significant pieces of legislation that address distinct but impactful issues in the state: restricting cellphone use in schools and banning hair discrimination. This article, published by KCUR, a public radio station serving the Kansas City area, provides detailed insights into these new laws, their implications, and the broader context surrounding their passage. Below is an extensive summary of the content found at the provided URL, aiming to offer a comprehensive overview of the legislative changes, the motivations behind them, and the potential effects on Missouri residents.

The first major law discussed in the article focuses on restricting cellphone use in schools. This legislation, embedded within a broader education bill, mandates that Missouri public schools develop and implement policies to limit cellphone access during instructional time. The goal is to minimize distractions and enhance the learning environment for students across the state. According to the article, Governor Parson emphasized the importance of reducing screen time for young people, citing concerns about mental health and academic performance. The law does not outright ban cellphones in schools but requires districts to establish specific guidelines, which could include designated times or areas for cellphone use or requiring devices to be stored away during class periods. This measure reflects a growing national conversation about the role of technology in education, with many educators and policymakers arguing that excessive cellphone use can hinder focus, contribute to cyberbullying, and exacerbate anxiety among students.

The KCUR article delves into the background of this policy, noting that several Missouri school districts had already implemented their own cellphone restrictions prior to the state mandate. However, the new law ensures a more uniform approach across the state, compelling all public schools to address the issue formally. Supporters of the legislation, as highlighted in the piece, believe that limiting cellphone access will encourage face-to-face interaction, improve classroom engagement, and help students develop healthier relationships with technology. Critics, however, express concerns about the practicality of enforcement and the potential for overreach. For instance, some parents and students argue that cellphones are essential for communication, especially in emergencies, and that blanket restrictions could create unnecessary barriers. The article also points out that the law grants flexibility to individual districts to tailor policies to their specific needs, which may help address some of these concerns.

Transitioning to the second key piece of legislation, the article discusses Missouri’s new law banning hair discrimination, often referred to as the CROWN Act (Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair). This law prohibits discrimination based on hair texture or protective hairstyles, such as braids, locs, and afros, in workplaces, schools, and other public settings. Missouri joins a growing number of states that have enacted similar legislation to combat racial bias often associated with natural hair styles, particularly those common among Black individuals. The KCUR piece underscores the significance of this law in addressing systemic inequities, as hair discrimination has historically been a form of racial prejudice, with many Black individuals facing professional and educational repercussions for wearing their hair in natural or culturally significant styles.

Governor Parson, in signing the bill, acknowledged the importance of ensuring that Missourians are not unfairly judged or penalized based on their appearance. The article quotes advocates who have long pushed for such protections, noting that hair discrimination can have profound effects on self-esteem, career opportunities, and educational experiences. For example, Black students have been suspended or expelled from schools for wearing natural hairstyles, while employees have been denied promotions or terminated for refusing to conform to Eurocentric grooming standards. The CROWN Act aims to dismantle these barriers by explicitly protecting individuals from such discrimination under state law.

The KCUR report also provides context on the national movement behind the CROWN Act, which began in California in 2019 and has since inspired similar laws in over 20 states. Missouri’s adoption of this legislation is seen as a significant step forward in the fight for racial equity, though advocates stress that broader cultural shifts are still needed to fully address implicit biases. The article highlights personal stories and testimonials from Missouri residents who have experienced hair discrimination, illustrating the real-world impact of the new law. These accounts add a human dimension to the policy discussion, emphasizing why such protections are necessary.

Beyond the specifics of these two laws, the KCUR article situates Governor Parson’s actions within the larger framework of his tenure and Missouri’s political landscape. Parson, a Republican, has often focused on education and workforce issues during his time in office, and these bills align with his administration’s priorities of improving school environments and promoting fairness in public and private sectors. The article notes that the signing of these laws occurred alongside other legislative measures, though the cellphone restriction and hair discrimination bans received particular attention due to their social and cultural significance.

The piece also explores potential challenges in implementing these laws. For the cellphone restriction, enforcement will largely depend on individual school districts, which may face pushback from students and parents accustomed to constant connectivity. Teacher training and resource allocation could also pose hurdles, as educators will need clear guidelines and support to manage the new policies effectively. Similarly, while the CROWN Act is a legal victory, its success will hinge on public awareness and the willingness of institutions to adapt their policies and practices. Legal challenges or loopholes could undermine the law’s intent if not addressed proactively, as the article suggests through expert commentary.

In terms of broader implications, the KCUR report reflects on how these laws might influence other states or future legislation in Missouri. The cellphone restriction could serve as a model for other regions grappling with technology’s role in education, while the CROWN Act reinforces a national trend toward greater protections against racial discrimination. Both laws, though addressing different issues, underscore a shared theme of adapting policy to modern challenges—whether it’s the pervasive influence of digital devices or the ongoing struggle for equity and inclusion.

In conclusion, the KCUR article provides a thorough examination of two landmark laws signed by Missouri Governor Mike Parson on July 10, 2025. The cellphone restriction in schools aims to curb distractions and promote a healthier learning environment, while the CROWN Act seeks to eliminate hair discrimination and advance racial justice. Together, these measures reflect Missouri’s efforts to address pressing social and educational issues, though their long-term impact remains to be seen. Through detailed reporting, personal narratives, and expert insights, the piece offers a nuanced perspective on the motivations, challenges, and potential outcomes of these legislative changes. At over 700 words, this summary captures the depth and breadth of the original content, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the topics at hand.

Read the Full KCUR Article at:
[ https://www.kcur.org/politics-elections-and-government/2025-07-10/missouri-governor-signs-laws-restricting-cellphones-in-schools-and-banning-hair-discrimination ]