Kelly Carnes, a White executive director of the Baltimore Rock Opera Society, was dismissed in September after backlash over wearing cornrows following a trip to Burning Man.
Attorney Jeremy Eldridge suggests Carnes’ firing could raise questions of discrimination under Maryland’s CROWN Act. He points out that public statements made by the organization about her hairstyle may serve as evidence if she contests her dismissal.
Had the Baltimore Rock Opera simply separated from this individual without providing a discriminatory reason, the timeline would be all of the evidence that the fired employee would have,” Eldridge stated to WBFF Fox45 Baltimore. “But here, when you’re making comments publicly that lean into the discriminatory allegation made by the fired employees, that itself could be evidence of the fact that you were terminated wrongfully, meaning that it’s discrimination under the CROWN.
Carnes reportedly opted for cornrows as a protective style while attending the desert event. A backfire ensued, with complaints of cultural appropriation emerging after a video of her hairstyle at a promotional event was shared online.
Following the critique, BROS issued a statement recognizing the community’s concerns and committed to revising its anti-discrimination policy. The revision will address cultural representation and attire. The organization plans to incorporate leadership training focusing on anti-racism and create a group dedicated to racial equity and inclusion.
Carnes mentioned that she was advised by the board not to attend a town hall organized to discuss the issue. Days after the event, she was dismissed with the board stating she was “not a good fit.”
Eldridge emphasized the need to evaluate whether Carnes’ firing contravened Maryland’s law. Establishing the motivation behind the decision remains critical.
Maryland’s CROWN Act, enacted in 2020, extends anti-discrimination protections to include traits commonly associated with race, like hair texture and protective hairstyles. The law applies to employment practices such as hiring, workplace conditions, and termination. The Maryland Commission on Civil Rights has not commented on the case.
The controversy led to further changes within BROS, with four of six board members, including the chair, expected to leave by the year’s end, according to The Baltimore Banner.
A BROS spokesperson declined to provide further comments on the matter but reassured focus on internal community welfare.
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