SCHOOL DRESS CODES CAN’T BAN CERTAIN HAIRSTYLES UNDER LEGISLATION PASSED BY THE ILLINOIS HOUSE THURSDAY. 

THE MEASURE WAS PROMPTED BY AN INCIDENT IN CHICAGO, WHERE A FOUR YEAR OLD AFRICAN AMERICAN BOY WAS SENT HOME FROM PRE-SCHOOL BECAUSE HIS HAIR WAS IN BRAIDS. REPRESENTATIVE GREG HARRIS SAYS THERE SHOULD BE NO DISCRIMINATION BASED ON HOW A STUDENT WEARS THEIR HAIR.

REPRESENTATIVE CYRIL NICHOLAS SUPPORTS THE CHANGE.

OPPONENTS ARGUED THIS SHOULDN’T APPLY TO PRIVATE SCHOOLS. THE SENATE NEEDS TO APPROVE A SMALL CHANGE TO THE BILL AND THEN IT GOES TO THE GOVERNOR’S DESK.