Clarifying racial discrimination includes discrimination based on certain hair textures and hairstyles

SB 662 clarifies that racial discrimination under West Virginia law explicitly includes discrimination based on hair texture and protective hairstyles historically associated with race. The bill directly affects individuals - particularly Black residents - who may face workplace or public accommodation discrimination due to natural or culturally significant hair styles like braids, locks, or twists. It adds a new definition to state law (§16B-17-21) specifying that "protective hairstyles" include those listed examples. This change ensures existing anti-discrimination protections cover hair-based bias without creating new enforcement mechanisms.