Iowa to consider law banning hair discrimination

Iowa legislators are reviewing a proposed bill, SF318, that would prohibit discrimination based on natural hair texture and hairstyles associated with race, such as braids, locs, twists, Afros and head wraps. The legislation, similar to the Crown Act, aims to protect students, employees and community members from hair bias — such as the kind experienced by Black Iowans. The bill is sponsored by Sen. Izaah Knox.

“A person in the state of Iowa shall not be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under, any program or activity receiving state financial assistance, based on the person’s natural or protective hairstyle, race, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, religion, ancestry, or disability,” the bill states.

A similar ban failed to advance in Iowa in 2021. Nationally, the Crown Act has been passed in 28 states.

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