On July 12th, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo signed a bill that prohibits any discrimination towards an individual due to their natural hair or hairstyles such as braids, Bantu knots, dreadlocks, etc. New York is now the second state to officially do so, following California.
In his statement, Gov. Cuomo said, “For much of our nation’s history, people of color — particularly women — have been marginalized and discriminated against simply because of their hairstyle or texture. By signing this bill into law, we are taking an important step toward correcting that history and ensuring people of color are protected from all forms of discrimination.”
A recent report had revealed that 80 percent of black women are likely to change their hairstyles in favor of white society’s hegemonic norms.
The report also mentioned that 50 percent are either discriminated against within the workplace due to hairstyles or knows of a black woman that has dealt with this plight.
New York and California are currently the only states to have banned this type of prejudice. In June, New Jersey introduced a proposal that included hairstyles and texture within its definition of race.
Following its signing, the bill immediately went into effect.
Nia Primus
