SC S0584

Expands the definitions of "race," "color," and "national origin" in South Carolina law to include traits historically associated with these categories, such as hair texture, hair type, hair length, hair color, and protected hairstyles including braids, locs, twists, cornrows, Bantu knots, and afros

Prohibits employers from discriminating against individuals based on these hair-related characteristics, with exceptions for health/safety requirements, bona fide occupational qualifications applied consistently, and where good faith accommodation efforts are made

Bans discrimination based on these protected characteristics in housing sales, rentals, financing, and housing-related services

Prohibits owners, operators, or employees of places of public accommodation from denying access or service based on these protected hair-related traits

Bars public and charter schools from implementing dress codes or grooming policies that discriminate against students based on protected hairstyles, unless the regulation is essential for health/safety, applied non-discriminatorily, and reasonable accommodations are provided