LINCOLN, Neb. – Today, Gov. Pete Ricketts announced his veto of LB 1060, a bill banning racial discrimination in employment based on natural hair texture and protective hairstyle. The bill passed on Final Reading with support from across the political spectrum on Tuesday, Aug. 11. Because the Nebraska Legislature is no longer in session, lawmakers will not have an opportunity to attempt to override Gov. Ricketts’ veto.
The following quotes are provided for media use.
“Racial discrimination in all forms is wrong and it’s deeply disappointing that natural hair discrimination will remain legal in Nebraska because of the governor’s veto. The bill was supported by the business community, vetted by both the Attorney General’s office and the Nebraska Equal Opportunity Commission, and most importantly led by Black Nebraska women. It was a commonsense update to our state workplace civil rights laws. The need for this protection is urgent and we hope the governor makes every effort to mitigate the harm of discrimination in the coming months until the bill can be revisited and passed into law. Above all else, this is a missed opportunity to demonstrate a clear commitment to making our workplaces more inclusive and safer for all Nebraskans. Everyone should consider that a loss.“
Ashlei Spivey, Founder of I Be Black Girl, Equity and Inclusion Officer on the ACLU of Nebraska Board of Directors
"I am deeply disappointed by Governor Rickett's decision to veto my priority bill. I worked with many community stakeholders, the NEOC, and the Attorney General's office to ensure that the intent of the bill was fully realized. This bill had 15 testifiers in support and none in opposition, no cost to the state, and created important protections for women of color in the workplace. It is unfortunate that the Governor and his office never reached out with any of his concerns. The concerns outlined in the Governor's letter about LB1060 were addressed in the committee hearing and again on the floor of the legislature after several hours of debate."
Sen. Machaela Cavanaugh, LB 1060’s sponsor
