This bill amends several sections of the General Laws to enhance protections against discrimination based on race in educational settings. It explicitly prohibits discrimination in public elementary and secondary schools, as well as in schools operated by the council on elementary and secondary education, on the basis of race or color. The bill expands the definition of "race" to include traits historically associated with race, such as hair texture and protective hairstyles.

The prohibition against discrimination applies to all aspects of school functions, including employment practices, admissions, curricular programs, extracurricular activities, counseling, and any other school functions. The bill also introduces definitions for "protective hairstyles" and clarifies the meaning of "race" in the context of discrimination.

Additionally, the bill updates the definitions in the Fair Employment Practices chapter to include "protective hairstyles." The act is set to take effect upon passage, reinforcing the commitment to combat racial discrimination in the state.

Statutes affected:
519: 16-38-1, 28-5-6, 42-112-1