Boston, Mass. (January 12, 2023) - In 2022, there were several new developments in Massachusetts labor and employment law. These included new legislation prohibiting discrimination based on natural hair styles or textures historically associated with race, changes to minimum wage and Sunday/holiday premium pay requirements, updates to paid family and medical leave benefit rates, and noteworthy case law developments.
On July 26, 2022, Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker signed into law the "Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair Act," more commonly referred to as the CROWN Act, which took effect on October 24, 2022.
The CROWN Act has its origins in an incident that occurred in 2017 involving twin sisters Deanna and Mya Cook, both women of color. Deanna and Mya were banned from all extracurricular activities at their school, including the prom, because of their hair. After refusal to remove their braided hair, they were disciplined by the school. The discipline included detention and threats of suspension.
Following public backlash, Massachusetts legislators quickly enacted a law prohibiting the denial of educational opportunities to individuals based on their natural or protective hair styles or textures. Following the passage of this historic legislation, Massachusetts legislators extended the protection to workplaces in 2022. In doing so, the new law further progresses existing anti-discrimination law based on race.
The CROWN Act bars...
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