New IL law prohibits private schools from banning religious hairstyles

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — A new Illinois law bans private schools from penalizing students or staff with religious hairstyles.

The law expands the Jett Hawkins Act that prohibits public and private schools from banning hairstyles associated with race, ethnicity, or hair texture.

Sectarian schools will be exempt if they are not subject to requirements that restrict the school's ability to adopt, enforce, or apply policies regarding religious hairstyles.

"I live in the West Ridge community where there's a pretty big Orthodox Jewish community and dozens of people have brought up to me in the last few years since we passed the Jett Hawkins Act," said Sen. Mike Simmons (D-Chicago). "It seems like it's a good time to move forward with this legislation, particularly when we know that there's been such a big increase in antisemitism across the country and the world."

Sponsors said this change can apply to students and staff of any faith.

"No student should have to choose between their faith and their education," said Rep. Kevin Olickal (D-Skokie). "No employee should fear discipline or discrimination because they wear their hair, beard, turban, hijab or other appearance in accordance with religious beliefs."

The new law took effect Friday.