MADISON, Wisconsin – The Dane County Board of Supervisors unanimously passed a resolution Thursday night that prohibits discrimination based on hairstyle.
Congresswoman Shelia Stubbs, 23rd district, who is the first African American elected to the Dane County state legislature, said that passing this resolution with the unanimous support of all 37 members is a victory. Stubbs said he has had his own experiences of discrimination based on his hairstyle.
“I previously worked for an insurance company. I remember being excited about the hairstyle I wore with beautiful long braids. I noticed many of my colleagues who were predominantly white and I remember being asked to put on my hair or wear a ponytail. I didn’t know they were grounds for discrimination. I was young, I left college, ”said Stubbs.
Suppliers who violate the new rules will need to comply with the county immediately after being notified that they are violating. Employees who violate the rule will be subject to progressive discipline based on the seriousness of the situation.
“I will be the first to say that I am very happy that Dane County has remained strong and has a very strong message that this will not be tolerated in our county,” said Stubbs. “I think people who thought about braiding but didn’t know if that would be acceptable, it gives them the OK to be you.”
Stubbs said that although this is a small step in the right direction towards racial equality, members of the black community sought it out expressing their gratitude.
“I received nothing but wonderful phone calls saying, ‘Thank you, thank you, thank you,'” said Stubbs. “They feel that someone has finally heard them. People are getting away with it because it wasn’t in the book. But guess what? If that happens, we will call you out. “
Stubbs said he can’t wait to braid his own hair and come to work.
“It gives you a chance to have your own identity,” she said. “That’s what it’s all about, being the best you can be.
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