| Update Applicable to: | Effective date |
| All employers | July 1, 2024 |
What happened?
On April 25, 2024, the governor signed Vermont H 363. The law relates to prohibiting discrimination based on certain hair types and styles.
What are the details?
Vermont updated the definition of race in its discrimination statute, which applies to employers of all sizes.
“Race” includes traits associated with or perceived to be associated with race, including hair type, hair texture, hairstyles, and protective hairstyles. As used in this subdivision, the term “protective hairstyles” includes hairstyles such as individual braids, cornrows, locs, twists, Bantu knots, afros, afro puffs, and other formations, as well as wigs, headwraps, and other head coverings.
This definition creates a broad set of protections for employees and has the potential for wide application, such as protecting dialects and styles of dress.
Business Considerations
- Employers should review and update their existing policies, practices, and procedures, especially those related to dress code and personal appearance, to ensure they comply.
- Employers should provide training to their HR personnel and management about the new law and its implications. This can help prevent any unintentional discrimination based on hair types and styles.
- Employers should maintain open lines of communication with their employees to address any concerns or questions that employees might have.
Source References
Resources
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