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Minutes for SB130 - Committee on Federal and State Affairs
Short Title
Amending the definition of "race" in the Kansas act against discrimination to include traits historically associated with race, including hair texture and protective hairstyles.
Minutes Content for Thu, Mar 10, 2022
The Chairman opened the hearing on the bill and called upon Jason Long for a revisor overview of the bill.
The Chairman called for testimony on the bill.
Proponent Michele Watley emphasized that the bill strengthens the laws that already exist.
Oshara Hayes stated that discrimination based upon the texture of a person's hair is unfair and referenced her own hair as an example.
(there was no written testimony)
Proponent Senator Oletha Faust-Goudeau related her own experiences and that of a young male wrestler who was penalized simply because of the natural texture and style of his hair.
Proponent Dr. Glenda Overstreet Vaughan pointed out that Kansas is not exempt from discrimination and has been reluctant to pass this bill.
Proponent Dr. Shannon Portillo shared her experience and findings of a committee that pursued discrimination issues.
Proponent Essence Dickinson left the committee with the question, "If you could not be Kansas Senator, how would you feel?"
Proponent DuBoise insisted that all people have the right to be free from discrimination.
Proponent Stacy Knoell pointed out that dressing and hair styles of some people can affect them in every aspect of their lives.
Proponent Kim Randolph stated that this legislation has been passed in several states and that she believed that Kansas would support the measures in this bill.
Written-Only Proponents:
Adrienne Olenjnik, KS Action for Children
Christie Applehanz, Self
Angeline Johnson, Self
Amber Sellers, Sigma Gamma
Denise Sherman, African American Museum
Danielle Johnson, Inclusive Growth Strategies
Lauren Tice Miller, KNEA
Dr. Tiffany Anderson, Governors Commission on Racial Equity
Mark Dupree, Wyandotte County District Attorney
Thomas Witt, Self
Committee comments and questions ensued. A committee member expressed a personal testimony that even she goes to great lengths to make sure her natural hair is more acceptable to others.
Written-Only Opponent:
Eric Stafford, Kansas Chamber
Neutral Ruth Glover explained the function and purpose of the Kansas Human Rights Commission and stated that passing the bill might bring more awareness to the issue. Ms. Glover also indicated that her agency did not have statute authority to pursue school and youth organization issues and suggested that the committee might address this limitation.
Seeing no more testimony the Chairman closed the hearing.
