COLUMBUS, Ohio-Ohio’s House has passed House Bill 178 with an 83-8 vote, aiming to protect public school students from discrimination based on their hairstyle. The bipartisan effort marks a significant step after years of advocacy, addressing concerns that current anti-discrimination laws are inadequate.
Proponents argue that hairstyles are intertwined with racial and ethnic identity, challenging previous court rulings that classified hair textures and styles as mutable. Representative Josh Williams emphasized the bill’s aim to prevent schools from mandating hairstyle changes, highlighting incidents of discrimination against young children, including for wearing afro puffs.
