Ohio House Passes Bill Banning Discrimination Against Students’ Hair Styles in Public Schools
SOURCE: https://www.daytondailynews.com/
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.
Key Highlight:
-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.
– Representative Juanita Brent expressed concern that discriminatory practices in Ohio could contribute to people leaving the state.
– Eight Republicans voted against House Bill 178, including three who are bald, but no opponents spoke against the bill on the House floor.
– The bill, also known as the CROWN Act, originally aimed for broader protections but was scaled back to cover only public school students from preschool through high school senior year.
– Representative Tom Young, among the Republicans supporting the bill, emphasized the importance of preventing discrimination based on physical traits like hairstyle.
– Despite compromises made to ensure passage in the House, sponsors like Representative Jamie Callender suggested potential for a more comprehensive bill in the future.
– The Ohio Chamber of Commerce, while originally opposed to a more expansive bill, raised concerns over increased civil liability for employers and potential restrictions on workplace policies aimed at health and safety.
– House Bill 178 now moves to the Senate for further review and consideration.
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