A bill for an act prohibiting discrimination based on an individual’s texture or style of hair.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Izaah Knox

Bill SF 318 prohibits discrimination based on hair texture or style, protecting individuals in employment, education, and state programs, promoting equality and cultural respect.

Subcommittee: Schultz, Bousselot, and Knox.

#discrimination #economicdevelopment #hair #racialgroups #rights #schoolboards #schooldistricts

Overview

Bill Number: SF 318
Title: A bill for an act prohibiting discrimination based on an individual’s texture or style of hair.
Introduced: February 13, 2025
Current Status: Subcommittee: Schultz, Bousselot, and Knox.
Classification: Bill
Subject Areas: Discrimination, Economic Development, Hair, Racial Groups, Rights, School Boards, School Districts

Purpose and Intent

The primary aim of Bill SF 318 is to prohibit discrimination against individuals based on their hair texture or hairstyle. This legislation seeks to protect individuals from discriminatory practices in various settings, including employment, education, and access to state assistance programs. The bill recognizes that hair discrimination often disproportionately affects individuals from certain racial and ethnic backgrounds, particularly those with natural or protective hairstyles.

Key Provisions

Prohibition of Discrimination: The bill explicitly states that individuals cannot be discriminated against based on their natural or protective hairstyles, which include but are not limited to:

Braids
Locs
Twists
Tight coils or curls
Cornrows
Bantu knots
Afros
Headwraps

Expanded Definition of Discrimination: Discrimination on the basis of race is defined to include discrimination based on natural or protective hairstyles. This aligns with broader anti-discrimination laws and reinforces the importance of cultural identity.

Protection in Various Contexts: The bill ensures that individuals are protected from discrimination in:

Employment settings, including civil service positions
Access to state assistance programs
Educational environments, including school districts and boards

Alignment with Federal Law: The bill references protections under 42 U.S.C. §1981(c), ensuring that individuals are safeguarded against discriminatory practices based on their hairstyle in accordance with federal law.

Impact

Who is Affected: The bill will primarily benefit individuals from racial and ethnic groups who wear natural or protective hairstyles, ensuring they are treated equitably in workplaces, schools, and while accessing state services.

Broader Implications: By addressing hair discrimination, the bill aims to foster a more inclusive environment that respects cultural diversity and individual expression.

Legislative Timeline

February 13, 2025: Bill introduced and referred to the Judiciary Committee.

February 20, 2025: Bill assigned to the subcommittee consisting of members Schultz, Bousselot, and Knox for further consideration.

This legislation represents a significant step toward combating discrimination based on personal appearance and cultural identity, promoting equality and respect for all individuals in Iowa.

Bill