Could it be that the administration staff at whichever state department like health or some licensing office are just ignorant to the culture? Maybe they didn't understand?

If they sued and got the required training down, then I'm guessing the health groups aren't worried about lice or some other thing.

I can only speak from limited experience, which is why I ask things instead of assuming, but I haven't met any state policy people here that would intentionally try to keep women of color from owning businesses. There are all types of people in those state departments, at least here.

I would think it would be the opposite. If you enable people to open businesses, you create opportunities to remove negative life conditions.

Maybe there's an aspect of 'well everyone else has to do that requirement', so we're treating people the same. That wouldnt seem like discrimination if it was only thought out of ignorance of what the service actually entails.

How's your area and government? You think there's still old rich white men trying to road block? I feel like those dinosaurs would be dying off. Edit, as where I work, any hint of that attitude would get you destroyed. As it should be.

Second edit, I submit more proof people are ignorant of certain cultural things:

We have a niece that is mixed African and Guatemalan descent from her parents. When she stays with us, we have a really hard time doing anything with her hair, cuz we don't have any other products nor the knowledge. We had to ask a couple of people, which makes you feel real dumb, but it's a simple thing.