Rhode Island § 16-38-1 - Offenses Pertaining to Schools [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act]
Full text of Rhode Island Rhode Island General Laws § 16-38-1 — Offenses Pertaining to Schools [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act], with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 16-38-1. Offenses Pertaining to Schools [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act]
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-38-1
§ 16-38-1. Discrimination because of race or age.
(a) No person shall be excluded from any public school on account of race or color, or for being over fifteen (15) years of age, nor except by force of some general regulation applicable to all persons under the same circumstances.
(b) Discrimination on the basis of race is prohibited in all public elementary and secondary schools in the state and in all schools operated by the council on elementary and secondary education. This prohibition shall apply to employment practices, admissions, curricular programs, extracurricular activities including athletics, counseling, and any and all other school functions and activities.
(c) For purposes of this section, the term:
(1) “Protective hairstyles” means and includes, but is not limited to, hair texture or hairstyles, if that hair texture or that hairstyle is commonly associated with a particular race or national origin (including a hairstyle in which hair is tightly coiled or tightly curled, locks, cornrows, twists, braids, Bantu knots, and Afros).
(2) “Race” means and includes traits historically associated with the race, including, but not limited to, hair texture and protective hairstyles.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 65, § 1; G.L. 1909, ch. 73, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 77, § 1; G.L. 1938,
ch. 198, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 16-38-1; P.L. 2025, ch. 381, § 1, effective July 1, 2025;
P.L. 2025, ch. 382, § 1, effective July 1, 2025.
Source: official Rhode Island text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Rhode Island § 16-38-1
What does Rhode Island General Laws § 16-38-1 cover?
Section 16-38-1 ("Offenses Pertaining to Schools [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act]") is part of the Rhode Island General Laws, the codified statutory law of Rhode Island. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Rhode Island § 16-38-1?
A common citation format is "Rhode Island General Laws § 16-38-1" (Rhode Island). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Rhode Island law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Rhode Island official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Rhode Island attorney.
How does Rhode Island § 16-38-1 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Rhode Island can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Rhode Island.