California to become first state to ban discrimination against natural hair
California is poised to become the first state to ban discrimination against people with natural hair, according to reports.
The Assembly voted 69-0 Thursday to update the state’s anti-discrimination law so the definition of “race” includes “traits historically associated with race,” NBC News reported.
The bill, SB 188, was approved by the Senate in April and now heads to Gov. Gavin Newsom’s desk to be signed into law.
Text of the bill acknowledges that some characteristics of “blackness” has resulted in discrimination.
“Workplace dress code and grooming policies that prohibit natural hair, including afros, braids, twists, and locks, have a disparate impact on Black individuals as these policies are more likely to deter Black applicants and burden or punish Black employees than any other group,” the bill reads.
“Policies that limit the ability to wear natural hair or hairstyles associated with Black people aren’t about ‘neatness’ or ‘professionalism;’ they are about limiting the way Black people move through workplaces, public spaces and other settings,” said Commissioner and Chair Carmelyn P Malalis in a statement.
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