James Francis Hurlburt algona.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from algona.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Mom s fight against hair bias could spark statewide changes in Illinois go.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from go.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Colin Boyle/Block Club Chicago
Illinois schools soon won’t be able to ban students from wearing traditionally Black hairstyles thanks to a West Side mom’s fight and a bill headed for the governor’s desk.
Officially called the Jett Hawkins Law, the new rule will call on the Illinois State Board of Education to complete a review of school handbooks and policies to ensure they don’t single out and ban Black hairstyles like cornrows, locs and braids. Schools that don’t comply will face funding cuts and may lose their recognition with the Illinois State Board of Education.
Senate Bill 817 prevents Illinois schools from enforcing dress codes that prohibit hairstyles historically associated with race, ethnicity or texture, including braids, locks and twists.