Nebraska senator proposes non-discrimination requirements for school dress codes

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — Tuesday’s Education Committee hearing at the State Capitol included legislation that could have a big impact on the future of Nebraska’s schools.

Sen. Terrell McKinney introduced Legislative Bill 630, which would put the State Department of Education in charge of developing a model dress code and grooming policy.

The proposal says it cannot target students on the basis of race, religion, sex, disability or national origin.

Students could not be prohibited from wearing religious attire or get in trouble for showing up to class with their natural hairstyle.

If approved, the bill would require school districts to adopt dress codes and grooming policies consistent with the state’s model.

Supporters wore shirts that read “our hair is sacred.”

One told the committee about her daughter’s hair being cut in school because administration did not see that it fit the dress code.

“Our regalia, it’s who we are,” Alice Johnson said. “It’s who our ancestors were. It’s our identity, and it represents us as individuals. It represents our families and most, importantly, our spirits.”

While no arguments against LB 630 were heard in person, seven people emailed their concerns.

Sen. Megan Hunt introduced a related bill, LB 487, aimed at preventing discrimination in schools.

It would prohibit any school in Nebraska that receives public funds from discriminating on the basis of race, color or religion.

Discrimination involving gender, gender identity, sexual orientation and disability would also be banned.

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