Effective August 1, 2022, the Louisiana Employment Discrimination Law is amended (via H.B. 1083) to prohibit discrimination based on natural, protective, or cultural hairstyle.
Natural, protective, or cultural hairstyle includes but is not limited to Afros, dreadlocks, twists, locs, braids, cornrow braids, Bantu knots, curls, and hair styled to protect hair texture or for cultural significance.
Next Steps for Employers
Employers should review and update their existing equal employment opportunity and non-harassment/non-discrimination policies to include updated language regarding the term race. In addition, employers should review and update their existing dress code and/or grooming policies to remove reference to any prohibition on hairstyles.
