00Enrolled SB 174                                                                                                         
01 Relating to dress codes and natural hairstyles.                                                                         
02                           _______________                                                                               
03    * Section 1. AS 14.03 is amended by adding a new section to read:                                                    
04            Sec. 14.03.135. Dress code; natural hairstyles. (a) A governing body may not                                 
05       adopt a school dress code that                                                                                    
06                 (1)  prohibits a student from wearing a hairstyle that is associated with                               
07       race;                                                                                                             
08                 (2)  prohibits a student from wearing a natural hairstyle, regardless of                                
09       the student's hair texture or type; in this paragraph, "natural hairstyle" includes braids,                       
10       locs, twists, tight coils, afros, cornrows, and bantu knots;                                                      
11                 (3)  requires a student to permanently or semipermanently alter the                                     
12       student's natural hair; or                                                                                        
13                 (4)  prohibits a student from wearing traditional tribal regalia or objects                             
14       of cultural significance at a graduation ceremony.                                                                
15            (b)  Notwithstanding (a) of this section, a governing body may adopt a school                                

01       dress code that restricts student hairstyles if the restriction is necessary to comply with                       
02       a health or safety law, regulation, or ordinance.