(a) For purposes of this section:
(1) “Protective hairstyle” includes braids, locks, and twists.
(2) “Race” includes traits historically associated with race, including hair texture and a protective hairstyle.
(b) A person may not be appointed or promoted to, or demoted or dismissed from, any position in the classified service, or be in any way favored or discriminated against with respect to employment in the classified service, because of political or religious opinions or affiliations, sexual orientation, gender identity, sex, or race.