SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Simmons passed legislation through the Senate on Wednesday that would expand the 2022 Jett Hawkins Act to include protections for religious hairstyles in private schools throughout the state.
“I fought hard to pass the Jett Hawkins Act,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “Now, Illinois is expanding protections to include hairstyles and facial hair in public schools specific to Jewish faith and tradition, specifically the Orthodox tradition, as a condition of registration or recognition with ISBE or the State.”
Simmons’ legislation, Senate Bill 3361, would require private, non-religious schools to affirm they will not prohibit religious hairstyles or hair-related religious practices, including facial hair worn pursuant to a student’s or employee’s sincerely held religious beliefs, in order to register with the Illinois State Board of Education.
Simmons’ measure would also prohibit school uniform or dress code policies from restricting such religious expression. These requirements would not apply to private religious schools.
“Hair is a vital part of someone’s identity, and for so many in Illinois, it represents what they believe and feel,” Simmons said. “This bill is also broad enough to cover hair styles and hair-related practices of other religious groups. Students and faculty should be able to express themselves as they see fit in all spaces, and I am proud to champion this legislation!”
Senate Bill 3361 passed the Senate on Thursday.
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