Maryland will ban workplace discrimination based on hairstyles and textures commonly associated with race, under legislation that became law without the governor’s signature.
The legislation (H.B. 1444/S.B. 531) adds hair characteristics including “braids, twists, and locks,” as well as “afro hairstyles” to the traits connected with race in the state’s anti-discrimination law. The law bans bias in employment, public accommodations, housing, and other areas.
The measure was among dozens of bills that Gov.
Maryland is the seventh state to enact a ban on...