Lawmakers Propose Bill Banning Discrimination Involving Hairstyles

On Monday, lawmakers in New Jersey proposed a bill that bans discrimination focused on hairstyles and hair textures. The New Jersey Assembly Labor Committee voted unanimously on the bill, which will offer protection to individuals of color and others who may contend with discrimination that targets hairstyles. The particulars of the bill will be classified under the umbrella of race discrimination and amend the Law Against Discrimination by including “traits historically associated with race” such as hairstyles, textures, and types. It was prompted by the case that occurred the year before involving an Atlantic County, New Jersey high school wrestler who was urged to cut off his dreadlocks before a wrestling match or forfeit the match, which incited individuals throughout the state and country including Governor Phil Murphy.

Two other states including California enacted similar bills into law that protect individuals and employees from facing discrimination simply because of the way they choose to wear their hair. Earlier this year, the state of New York enacted legislation banning this type of discriminatory practice, which the New York City Commission on Human Rights deemed another form of harassment and bias. Treating an employee with disdain or differently from other workers, excluding eligible employees from promotions or assignments, or even terminating an individual due to these differences encompass employment discrimination.

If you have been subjected to racial discrimination or another form of workplace discrimination, our Cherry Hill employment discrimination lawyers at Sidney L. Gold & Associates, P.C. will assist you in filing a claim that ensures a favorable outcome. Call us today at 215-569-1999 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. We represent clients throughout South Jersey and Pennsylvania from our offices in Pennsauken, New Jersey, and Philadelphia.