Bill > HB1343

This bill, known as the "Model Mississippi Hair Protection in Schools Policy Act," requires public and charter schools to develop policies that prevent discrimination based on hairstyles, with a focus on protecting students from racial and cultural bias. The bill mandates that school districts create comprehensive policies that explicitly prohibit discrimination against natural hair and protective hairstyles, remove punitive actions that disproportionately impact specific racial or cultural groups, and provide staff training on the mental health and academic consequences of hair-based discrimination. Schools must establish clear reporting mechanisms for students and families to address hair-related discrimination, ensure that students are not suspended or disciplined for appearance rule violations that disrupt learning, and maintain written procedures for reporting concerns with protections against retaliation. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, giving schools time to develop and implement these inclusive hair discrimination prevention policies.

Education

https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2025/pdf/history/HB/HB1343.xml