A bill that would prohibit schools from creating rules to limit hairstyles historically tied to a race or ethnicity passed the Illinois House on Thursday.

Senate Bill 817 passed with bipartisan support in an 89-22 vote. The bill, lead by state Sen. Mike Simmons, D-Chicago, prohibits public and private schools from creating rules that would ban students from wearing hairstyles typical to their culture. 

“This is a chance for us to correct some historical wrongs that have been done for years and years and years,” said state Rep. Greg Harris, D-Chicago, the House sponsor of the bill. 

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Simmons began pushing the bill soon after joining the General Assembly earlier this year, inspired by a student in his district, Jett Hawkins, who was discriminated against at his school because of his hairstyle. 

The Illinois State Board of Education would create the guidance for schools to follow, which could vary for institutions like military schools that require short hair. The rules would only apply during the school day and will vary for after school sports. 

“I hope that everyone understands that this isn’t a hair bill, it’s about treating people right, respecting people, allowing people to be who they want to be,” said state Rep. La Shawn Ford, D-Chicago. 

Harris clarified the bill does not stop schools from having a dress code, but that was not satisfactory for state Rep. Tom Morrison, R-Palatine. 

“I encourage other members to vote no,” Morrison said. “This does affect private schools, and I think this is an issue that is best left up to that individual school administration and the parents that choose to send their children there.” 

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Along with Harris, state Rep. Mark Batinick, R-Plainfield, and Jonathan Carroll, D-Northbrook spoke first on the bill. 

“I noticed a commonality with the three previous speakers’ hairstyles,” joked state Rep. Avery Bourne, R-Morrisonville. “Would that be allowed in schools?”

Harris, Batinick and Carroll are all bald.

“We have a show and tell period. This is allowed, and Mr. Mike Simmons, this is allowed,” Harris laughed, pointing to himself and then Simmons’ long hair, prompting a round of applause from lawmakers. 

The bill will go back to the Senate for a final vote to address an amendment made in the House changing the bill’s title before going to the governor’s desk.