Social Justice
Bill #: SB969
LWVMO SUPPORTS this bill.
Short Description: Prohibits discrimination on the basis of hair texture and protective hairstyles in any program or activity conducted by educational institutions that receive or benefit from state financial assistance or state student financial aid. This bill is similar to HCS HBS 1900, 1591 & 2515.
Status of the Bill: Placed on the Senate Formal Perfection Calendar.
Talking points:
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Workplaces or schools are still able to discriminate against a person because of their natural or protective hairstyle
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Hair discrimination remains a source of racial injustice with serious economic consequences for Black people
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Only Black people in this country are shamed and punished for wearing hairstyles consistent with their natural hair
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Black Missourians are denied employment opportunities, unfairly targeted in education, and deprived of their dignity through dress code policies and concepts like ‘professionalism’ set by employers and institutions designed to discriminate against Black people
Link to the summary of the bill: Summary of SB969 here
Call to action:
5 for Democracy: Contact your Senator and tell them you support this bill. Look up your Senator HERE.
Links to further reading:
MO has yet to pass the CROWN Act to ban hair discrimination; When CROWN Acts stall in states
LWV Position: The League supports federal efforts to prevent and/or remove discrimination in education, employment, and housing and to help communities bring about racial integration of their school systems. (Equality of Opportunity, p. 122)
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