An Overview of California Senate Bill 58: Key Points and Implications
Summarize California Senate Bill 58.
California Senate Bill 58 is an amendment to the state's anti-discrimination law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of protective hairstyle. The bill, which was signed into law in 2019, adds a definition of "race or ethnicity" to include "traits historically associated with race" including but not limited to hair texture and protective hairstyles such as afros, braids, twists, and locks.
The bill aims to end discrimination against natural hair, recognizing that a person's hairstyle is often tied to their racial, ethnic, and cultural identity. Employers and schools violating this legislation will be subject to penalties and will be held liable under the law.