Hair Discrimination Bill inspired by Chicago toddler passes House
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - The Hair Discrimination Bill, inspired by a Chicago toddler, was passed by the House Thursday afternoon.
The bill will now go back to the Senate for a final vote to address an amendment made in the House, changing the bill's title before going to Gov. Pritzker's desk.
That change will be the name of the 4-year-old that inspired this bill, Jett Hawkins.
"I hope that everyone understands that this is a hair bill, it’s about treating people right," said Illinois State Representative LaShawn Ford.
The legislation passed in the House 89 to 22.
MORE: Illinois lawmakers want to ban hair discrimination in schools
Jett's mother, Ida Nelson, said he wanted to connect with his culture, but his school, Providence St. Mel, told her the braids were against the rules.
The school has since changed its policy.
Jett and Ida’s story caught the attention of Sen. Mike Simmons, who introduced the bill to prevent discrimination of hairstyles historically associated with race, ethnicity or hair texture, including, but not limited to, protective hairstyles such as braids, locks and twists.
"Every 12 months the Illinois Board of Education will do a compliance probe of all schools making sure discriminatory language is removed," said Democratic Senator of Illinois Mike Simmons. "Schools will have 12 months to get in compliance."
The law will include all schools in the state of Illinois.
This summer, the bill will be signed into law by Gov. Pritzker.