Bill > S2808

This bill amends Massachusetts state law to: 1. Define "race" to include traits historically associated with race, such as hair texture, hair type, and protective hairstyles like braids, locks, twists, and Bantu knots. 2. Prohibit school districts, school committees, public schools, and athletic associations from adopting policies that prohibit or impair students from wearing natural or protective hairstyles associated with race, with an exception for private religious schools. 3. Authorize the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination to adopt rules and regulations or make recommendations to effectuate the new definitions of race and protective hairstyles. The purpose of this bill is to protect students, particularly those from racial minority groups, from discrimination based on their natural or culturally-significant hairstyles.

Senate Committee on Ways and Means (S)

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/192/S2808