New Law: Hairstyle Discrimination Banned in Illinois Schools

Jett Hawkins Law Takes Effect 01-01-2022

The state of Illinois will take measures to stop hair discrimination in the state's schools as the new year begins.  Prohibiting students from attending Illinois schools based on hairstyles historically associated with race, or ethnicity will be prohibited as of January 1st, 2022.

A bill referred to as The Jett Hawkins Act was approved by the Illinois State Assembly in May, and signed into law by Governor J.B. Pritzker in August.  The act was named for Jett Hawkins, a four-year-old boy whose mother took action when officials asked that he take out his braids at school.

The law applies to public schools and non-public schools who seek to be state-recognized.  Similar bills have been passed in 13 other states.

ALSO: The VERY WORST Small Cities in Iowa, Wisconin, and Illinois