Grand Island board adopts model-language nondiscrimination, dress-code and related policies, including protective-hairstyle list

The Grand Island Public Schools Board of Education voted Aug. 14 to adopt revised nondiscrimination, dress-code and related policies that add model-language protecting “natural and protective hairstyles” and add military/veteran status to district nondiscrimination statements.

Board members approved the nondiscrimination policy (Policy 13-10) as revised to “include skin color and protective hairstyles, which could include, but are not limited to, braids, locks, twists, tight knots, curls, cornrows, bantu knots, afros, weaves, wigs, and head wraps,” language the administration said matches the Nebraska Department of Education (NDE) model policy. Superintendent Matt Fisher described the change as the policy committee’s recommendation after reviewing the statute, the model policy and feedback from building leaders.

Why it matters: The statute…