A new law in Illinois will prohibit schools from banning any type of hairstyle, the so-called “Jet Hawkins Act.”
Ethnic hairstyles, including braids, braids and twists, will be protected from “hairstyle discrimination.”
Governor JB Pritzer signed the law on Friday after obtaining legislative approval in the spring. State Senator Mike Simmons, a black congressman with braids, sponsored this legislation.
“I understand this feeling and being humiliated in front of my classmates. It is totally unacceptable for an authority figure to belittle you and humiliate you in front of others because of God-given things,” Simmons told Chicago Sun Times.
“As a person with natural hair, I just think it is irresponsible for me not to speak out and take action and change the policy that allows this to happen.”
The Jet Hawkins Act is based on the story of a 4-year-old black student, Gus “Jet” Hawkins, who was told that he had to pull out his braids in Chicago preschool because it violated the school’s dress code.
Jet Hawkins was ordered to pull out his braids in preschool. His mother, Ida Nelson, fought back.Which resulted in @MikeSimmonsChi Sponsor a bill prohibiting hair discrimination in Illinois.This #Jet Hawkins Act It is now the law of Illinois! pic.twitter.com/WQxe0tEL7B
— Election IL Senate Democrat (@ElectILSenDems) August 15, 2021
“Black youth in the school environment should not be restricted by outdated and often racist dress codes that only humiliate students of color who want to style their hair in a style that respects their traditions, ancestry, and culture. ,” Simmons said.
Hawkins’ mother Ada Nelson launched a campaign to share her knowledge of the incident. The focus of the campaign is how the stigmatization of children’s hair has a negative impact on their educational development.
“For us, it’s not just hair. Our hair is an extension of us as a race and is closely related to our cultural identity,” Nelson said.
“This is a big step towards improving our children’s mental health outcomes because it ensures that they will be in a healthier learning environment.”
Proudly support my colleague @森米克simmons As his signature bill, the Jet Hawkins Act (https://t.co/yoA3qghPg5) Signed into law @GovPritzker & Other members of the Justice League: @LtGovStratton, @SenatorHunter, @senpetersil, @repgregharris, @ChiAlderwoman pic.twitter.com/ZtwDpLxVE1
— Senator Cristina Pacione-Zayas (@SenPacioneZayas) August 13, 2021
