Rachel Silberstein is reporting for the Times Union the state of New York is now one of a few states in the country to ban hair discrimination. A new law, signed by Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo on July 12, stops employers and schools from imposing policies on braids, locks and other hairstyles that disproportionately affect black women. Specifically, the measure amends the definition of race in state Human Rights Law and the Dignity for All Students Act to include "traits historically associated with race, including but not limited to hair texture and protective hairstyles." California enacted similar legislation that goes into effect Jan. 1, 2020. The New York bill is known as the CROWN Act and is effective immediately. The bill was cosponsored by Assemblymember Tremaine S. Wright, who said she was inspired by the Congressional Black Caucus' battle with the U.S. military over hairstyle requirements that appeared to single out black women. "As a black woman who prioritizes equity and has worn my natural for 17 years, this bill is deeply personal for me," she said. Read the full story in the Times Union.