New legislation enacted in Colorado (House Bill 24-1451) prohibits employers from discrimination due to hair length historically or commonly associated with race. This requirement went into law on June 3, 2024.
In 2020, the state legislation enacted a law prohibiting against race-based hair discrimination. The updated law protects those with the following hairstyles:
- Braids
- Cornrows
- Afros
- Tight curls or coils
- Locs
- Twists
Additionally, it offers protection for those wearing headwraps.
All dress code and appearance policies should be reviewed to ensure they don’t contain any restrictions on hair length or styling.
This article is informational and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Consult with an employment lawyer or accountant for additional clarification on how these changes impact your company.
