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Author: ahotfelder

California and New York Become First Two States to Ban Natural Hair Discrimination

California and New York Become First Two States to Ban Natural Hair Discrimination

On July 3, 2019, California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill 188, known as the CROWN (Creating a Respectful and Open Workplace for Natural Hair) Act. The law, which takes effect January 1, 2010, is the first in the country to ban discrimination on the basis of hair texture, hair style, and other “traits historically associated with one’s race.” The law provides that individuals with dreadlocks, braids, cornrows, or other traditionally black hairstyles cannot be discriminated against on the basis…

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New York Expands Workplace Sexual Harassment Protections

New York Expands Workplace Sexual Harassment Protections

In June 2019, the New York legislature passed a first-of-its-kind law that radically expanded protections for individuals who suffer harassment at work. Prior to the passage of the law, an employee suing for sexual harassment in New York had to demonstrate that the harassment was “severe or pervasive.” The new law eliminates this standard—now virtually any sex-based harassment can form the basis for a claim of discrimination against an employer, as long as the harassment is more than a petty…

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