The proposed bill aims to amend the Code of West Virginia by adding a new section, 5-11-22, which explicitly prohibits discrimination based on hairstyle or hair texture. It defines impermissible discrimination to include biases against hair textures and protective hairstyles that are historically associated with individuals who have genetically textured hair. The bill outlines what constitutes "protective hairstyles," including braids, locks, afros, curls, and twists, and emphasizes the importance of allowing individuals to manage their textured hair in its natural state without the need for heat or chemical treatments.

Additionally, the bill addresses institutional policies that may impose restrictions on textured hair, stating that such policies must balance safety concerns with the rights of individuals with textured hair. It provides a framework for plaintiffs to challenge these restrictions by demonstrating that safety hazards are either mitigable, non-existent, or merely a pretext for discriminatory behavior. Overall, the bill seeks to clarify and expand the definition of impermissible discrimination to include hair-related biases, thereby promoting equality and inclusivity in various institutional settings.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 5-11-22