New Law: Hairstyle Discrimination Banned in Illinois Schools

Jett Hawkins Law Takes Effect 01-01-2022

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Using March 2019 data from the Social Security Administration, Stacker compiled a list of the most popular names in each of the 50 states and Washington D.C., according to their 2018 SSA rankings. The top five boy names and top five girl names are listed for each state, as well as the number of babies born in 2018 with that name. Historically common names like Michael only made the top five in three states, while the less common name Harper ranks in the top five for 22 states.

Curious what names are trending in your home state? Keep reading to see if your name made the top five -- or to find inspiration for naming your baby.

Filed Under: Ban, hairstyls Discrimination, Illinois Schools, Jett Hawkins Act

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