NYS Bans Discrimination Based on Hair Texture and Protective Hairstyles and Other Traits Associated with Race

On July 12, 2019, Governor Andrew Cuomo signed into law a bill amending the definition of “race” in the New York State Human Rights Law to include “traits historically associated with race, including but not limited
to, hair texture and protective hairstyles.” As a result, discrimination based on hair texture and protective hairstyles and other traits historically associated with race is now illegal in New York State. Hair texture includes
naturally occurring traits, such as curly or kinky hair.  Protective hairstyles are generally considered those where a person’s hair is shaped and not left out loose. While the new law specifically identifies braids, locks and twists as examples of protective hairstyles, all types of hairstyles historically associated with a person’s race are protected from discrimination. Moreover, the new law protects not only hairstyles, but all other traits that are historically associated with race, whatever they might be. Thus, employers in New York State will now potentially be subject to race discrimination claims based on a variety of personal traits, not just hairstyle.

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