My best bet would to go with 'were' because they sound similar and it just seems more professional.
Discrimination in work places/ school. Passing laws that black children cannot wear their natural hair in its natural state because it it seen as too distractive or unprofessional and untamed. Also making rules that black girls cannot wear braids because they “aren’t professional”. Cutting dreads out of little black boys hair because they “aren’t appropriate” or telling them they can’t walk across the stage to receive their diploma unless they cut their dreads off
