House passes H.363 to ban discrimination based on hair types and styles

The Vermont House passed H.363, an act prohibiting discrimination based on certain hair types and styles, on Jan. 31, 2024, after a roll-call vote that ended 132 in favor and 5 opposed.

Supporters on the floor described the bill as a corrective to longstanding, race-based workplace and educational biases. Representative from South Burlington said the bill “dismantles the stereotypes and systematic discrimination that have persisted for far too long,” framing the measure as affirming people’s right to express identity and to participate fully in public life. Representative from Burlington, describing hair as “more than just follicles,” said the measure recognizes hair’s cultural and familial significance and called the policy change a move toward fairness and inclusion.

A cosponsored amendment that would have broadened the bill’s language to explicitly address additional protected categories was withdrawn by the cosponsor (Member from Winooski) before third reading, and the House proceeded to a roll-call vote at the request of the Member from Chester. Members offered short explanations for their votes; Member from Halifax said they voted yes “in honor of the memory and legacy of Malcolm X.”

The clerk announced the roll-call tally after members’ remarks: 132 yes, 5 no. With that announcement the presiding officer declared the bill passed. The House ordered third reading and passage and took no further amendments on the floor.

The bill will be transmitted according to established legislative procedures for enrolment and delivery to the governor.