PUBLIC SCHOOLS COULD LOSE SOME STATE FUNDING IF THEY APPLY STUDENT DRESS CODES TO HAIRSTYLES UNDER A BILL BEING DISCUSSED IN THE ILLINOIS SENATE. 

THE MEASURE WAS DISCUSSED IN A LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE, WHERE SENATOR MIKE SIMMONS OF CHICAGO SAID IT'S TIME TO END OLD POLICIES THAT DISCRIMINATE AGAINST MINORITY STUDENTS. 

SENATOR SUE REZIN OF MORRIS AGREES WITH THE CHANGE, BUT QUESTIONS THE PENALTY.

SCHOOLS THAT DON'T COMPLY WOULD HAVE THEIR STATE FUNDING KEPT AT THE PREVIOUS YEAR'S LEVELS. WHILE COMMITTEE MEMBERS AGREED THE CHANGE IS NEEDED, SOME QUESTIONED THE HARSH PENALTY. SIMMONS SAYS NEGOTIATIONS ARE ONGOING.