Ethnic hairstyles at work

New Massachusetts Law Prohibits Discrimination Based on Hairstyle

On July 26, 2022, Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker signed into law House Bill 4554 – commonly referred to as the Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair (“CROWN”) Act – which bans discrimination based on natural and protective hairstyles in all workplaces, public schools, and places of public accommodation (such as restaurants, retail shops and more) in Massachusetts. The law will go into effect on October 24, 2022.

The CROWN Act specifically prohibits discrimination based on “traits historically associated with race,” including hair texture, hair type, and “protective hairstyles.” According to the new law, the term “protective hairstyle” includes, but is not limited to, braids, locks, twists, Bantu knots, hair coverings, and other formations. Relative to the application of this law in the employment setting, the CROWN Act tasks the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (“MCAD”) with adopting rules, regulations, and policies interpreting and enforcing it.

The enactment of the CROWN Act represents an important change in Massachusetts law: prior to the passing of this legislation, there was no Massachusetts law specifically prohibiting discrimination related to hair types or styles. By passing the CROWN Act, Massachusetts joins 17 other states in the nation that have enacted similar laws banning hairstyle discrimination in the workplace and other public settings. On the federal level, the U.S. House of Representatives has passed a version of the CROWN Act, but that bill has not yet passed in the Senate.

Massachusetts employers should review their workplace policies and practices—especially those related to harassment, discrimination, personal appearance, and grooming—to ensure that they are in compliance with the Massachusetts CROWN Act. Employers should also offer training to anyone involved in hiring to ensure they appreciate the limits of the organization’s personal appearance and grooming requirements.

Note that employees who can prove that their employer discriminated against them in violation of this law may recover monetary damages for economic loss as well as punitive damages and attorneys’ fees.

We encourage employers to reach out to their Bowditch attorney for assistance or further information regarding this topic.

Categorized: Discrimination, Higher Education

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Tracy Thomas Boland
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Tracy Thomas Boland

Tracy Boland counsels clients on the full range of employment law issues from hiring to firing including performance management, investigations, wage and hour issues, leaves of absence and the accommodations process, discrimination and harassment issues and investigations and reductions in force. She particularly enjoys supporting clients as they work through novel and emerging legal issues such as pay equity and the ever-growing number of paid leave laws. Clients also rely on her to draft and revise employee handbooks, employment agreements, and severance and settlement agreements

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About the Authors

Tracy Thomas Boland
Stay Connected
LinkedIn

Partner

Tracy Thomas Boland

Tracy Boland counsels clients on the full range of employment law issues from hiring to firing including performance management, investigations, wage and hour issues, leaves of absence and the accommodations process, discrimination and harassment issues and investigations and reductions in force. She particularly enjoys supporting clients as they work through novel and emerging legal issues such as pay equity and the ever-growing number of paid leave laws. Clients also rely on her to draft and revise employee handbooks, employment agreements, and severance and settlement agreements

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