Massachusetts Senate passes CROWN Act

BOSTON, Mass. — On Thursday, the Massachusetts State Senate unanimously passed the Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair (CROWN) Act. This bill prohibits discrimination based on natural and protective hairstyles in places of work and school-related organizations.

The CROWN Act ensures that discrimination based on one’s hair style, which largely impacts Black residents, has no place in professional or school settings in the Commonwealth,” said Senate President Karen Spilka. “We must never forget how long and hard the struggle for true racial justice has been for Black and brown residents of Massachusetts.”

The Senate also added a provision that would include the MIAA to the list of school entities banned from adopting and implementing restrictions on natural hairstyles.

The bill passed the House back on March 17. It now goes to Governor Baker’s desk.

If signed into law, the Commonwealth would become the 15th state to adopt the CROWN Act.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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