Abstract: Provides relative to race and national origin discrimination in education, employment,
public accommodations, and housing options.
Present law provides that no person shall be refused admission into or be excluded from any public
school in this state based on race, creed, color, disability as defined in present law, or national origin.
Proposed law retains present law and additionally prohibits discrimination in any form based on race,
creed, color, disability as defined in present law, or national origin.
Proposed law adds that "race" and "national origin" shall include traits associated with race and
national origin, including but not limited to skin color, facial characteristics, hair texture, natural
hairstyles, and protective hairstyles.
Proposed law defines "natural hairstyles" and "protective hairstyles" to include but not be limited to
afros, dreadlocks, twists, locs, cornrows braids, Bantu knots, and curls.
Present law provides that it shall be unlawful employment discrimination for an employer to engage
in certain practices based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.
Proposed law adds that "race" and "national origin" shall include traits associated with race and
national origin, including but not limited to skin color, facial characteristics, hair texture, natural
hairstyles, and protective hairstyles.
Proposed law defines "natural hairstyles" and "protective hairstyles" to include but not be limited to
afros, dreadlocks, twists, locs, cornrows braids, Bantu knots, and curls.
Present law prohibits certain discriminatory practices concerning public accommodations based on
race, creed, color, religion, sex, age, disability, or national origin.
Proposed law adds that "race" and "national origin" shall include traits associated with race and
national origin, including but not limited to skin color, facial characteristics, hair texture, natural
hairstyles, and protective hairstyles.
Proposed law defines "natural hairstyles" and "protective hairstyles" to include but not be limited to
afros, dreadlocks, twists, locs, cornrows braids, Bantu knots, and curls.
Present law prohibits certain discriminatory practices concerning housing opportunities based on
race, creed, color, religion, sex, familial status, or national origin.
Proposed law adds that "race" and "national origin" shall include traits associated with race and
national origin, including but not limited to skin color, facial characteristics, hair texture, natural
hairstyles, and protective hairstyles.
Proposed law defines "natural hairstyles" and "protective hairstyles" to include but not be limited to
afros, dreadlocks, twists, locs, cornrows braids, Bantu knots, and curls.
(Amends R.S. 17:111(A); Adds R.S. 23:332(I) and R.S. 51:2232(11) and 2603(13))


Statutes affected:
HB41 Original: 17:111(A)