Black Hair Discrimination Ban Sent to Minnesota Governor’s Desk

Minnesota would become the 20th state to ban racial discrimination against traditionally Black hairstyles or textures such as locs and twists, under legislation heading to Gov. Tim Walz’s (DFL) desk.

The measure (HF 37) would expand the definition of race under Minnesota’s Human Rights Act to cover race-related characteristics such as hair. The state’s existing anti-discrimination law bans bias in the workplace, housing, public accommodations, and other settings against a list of protected classes including race, religion, and sex.

The bill goes to Walz after winning final passage Thursday in the Senate by a 45-19 vote. The state ...