Bob Shea‘s discussion of the Massachusetts CROWN Act was featured in Boston.com’s “Ask the Job Doc” column. In the column, Bob answers a question about the Massachusetts CROWN Act as follows:
Q: Can you describe to me what the CROWN Act is? I thought I had a sound understanding of state laws, including PFML, but this is a new one for me. Also, does it apply to everyone? What about independent contractors or temps? Can you help me understand?
A: The CROWN Act bans discrimination based on a person’s hairstyle, and in particular hair styles that may be associated with race. Signed into law by Governor Baker, the law became effective on October 24, 2022. Massachusetts has joined a growing number of states in prohibiting discrimination in schools and workplaces, based on hairstyles that are historically associated with race.
To share more detail, I consulted Robert Shea, a partner at Beck Reed Ridden LLP in Boston. Shea explains that the “CROWN” in the CROWN Act stands for “Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair.” Shea further adds, “The Act does not create a new protected class of individuals but rather expands the definition of race across multiple statutes in Massachusetts.” The primary anti-discrimination statute in Massachusetts, Chapter 151B, now has an expanded definition of racial discrimination, which includes hairstyles that may be “historically associated with race, including, but not limited to, hair texture, hair type, hair length and protective hairstyles.” More specifically, these hairstyles include braids, locks, twists, Bantu knots or hair coverings. In the past, workplace dress codes may have forced many men and women to adapt their hairstyles to conform to a dress code, or a health or safety standard.
The CROWN Act applies to employers with 6 or more employees. Independent contractors and temporary employees can also file a claim against an employer, or a school, citing race, or CROWN Act, discrimination.
In Massachusetts, the CROWN Act was born out of a 2017 policy violation, which occurred at a Massachusetts charter school. Two sisters were disciplined for wearing braid extensions, which school administrators said was against school policy. This hairstyle had been banned at this charter school at that time and the sisters were barred from several school events. CROWN Act supporters have expressed concerns about how Black women, in particular, have been treated differently because of their hair styles. The American Civil Liberties Union filed a complaint against the school, based on the school’s policy.
Massachusetts employers should review any related policies and/or handbooks to ensure they are complying with the CROWN Act. If there are health or safety issues within the workplace (e.g. serving food or operating machinery), an employer may request that hair should be covered or fastened to eliminate health or safety concerns. However, these requests should be applied consistently, to any employee, based on the role and the job duties.
The column was written by Pattie Hunt Sinacole, CEO and Founder of First Beacon Group LLC.
ob Shea represents clients in all areas of labor and employment law. With a comprehensive understanding of this legal landscape, he assists clients in various industries, offering counsel on matters such as discrimination, termination, wage disputes, and compliance issues.
His commitment to finding effective solutions sets him apart. Bob dedicates a substantial part of his practice to alternative dispute resolution (ADR), emphasizing mediation and arbitration as powerful tools to resolve conflicts outside of traditional courtroom proceedings.
Bob’s approach is characterized by a combination of legal expertise, strategic insight, and a keen understanding of his clients’ specific needs. He prioritizes clear communication and collaborative problem-solving, ensuring that each client receives tailored guidance and representation throughout the legal process.
Beck Reed Riden LLP is Boston’s innovative litigation boutique. Our lawyers have years of experience working with clients ranging from Fortune 500 companies to start-ups and individuals. We focus on business litigation and employment.
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Russell Beck, Stephen Riden, Nicole Daly, Bob Shea, Nicole Gage and Heather Krauss have been recognized as Super Lawyers by the 2025 issue of Massachusetts Super Lawyers Magazine.
is Boston’s innovative litigation boutique. Our lawyers have years of experience working with clients ranging from Fortune 500 companies to start-ups and individuals. We focus on business litigation and employment.
Beck Reed Riden LLP is pleased to announce that four of its lawyers have been named to the 2025 Edition of 
Super Lawyers Magazine has again selected 
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