On July 26, 2022, Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker signed into law the Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair (“CROWN”) Act which expands the definition of “race” across Massachusetts statutes, as applied to a prohibition on discrimination based on race; thereby, banning discrimination based on traits historically associated with race, including, but not limited to, hair texture, hair type, hair length and protective hairstyles in workplaces, school districts, and certain school-related organizations. The law defines “protective hairstyle” to include, without limitation, “braids, locks, twists, Bantu knots, hair coverings and other formations.”
Next Steps for Employers
Employers should review and update their existing equal employment opportunity and non-harassment/non-discrimination policies to include updated language regarding the term “race.” In addition, employers should review and update their existing dress code and/or grooming policies to remove reference to any prohibition on hairstyles.
