Bantu knots, braids, dreadlocks, cornrows, and afros are all traditional Black hairstyles. They’re also lightning rods for discrimination in school, on the job, and in lending and housing, prompting a wave of protective state and local legislation.
New Mexico lawmakers this week became the latest to pass a bill prohibiting discrimination based on how a person chooses to arrange or wrap their hair.
The legislation, SB 80, is a version of the anti-discrimination measure known as the CROWN Act, which has been enacted in eight states. At least 17 cities and counties including Albuquerque, N.M., have adopted similar local ...