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Adams and Reese Partner and Labor and Employment Attorney Lauren Tafaro was interviewed by Biz New Orleans on “What are Some Recent Important Employment Law Changes”, published in the January 2023 magazine.

Tafaro noted that Louisiana employers should be aware that the Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Act (the CROWN Act) went into effect on August 1, 2022. The CROWN Act prohibits Louisiana employers from discriminating against employees based on hairstyles or hair textures that are historically associated with race.

Additionally, Tafaro said, that while the use of medical marijuana still violates federal law, many states are passing laws that provide protections for employees who use marijuana for medicinal purposes.

“Louisiana law now prohibits discrimination against state employees who use medical marijuana,” said Tafaro. “A task force was created to study other states’ laws and draft proposals to expand these protections to more employees, including private sector employees.”

At Adams and Reese, Tafaro’s labor and employment practice focuses on insured and uninsured employment claims, and she represents employers in administrative proceedings before state and federal agencies. She defends employers in lawsuits alleging discrimination, harassment, retaliation and wrongful termination pursuant to federal and state anti-discrimination statutes. She also authors and argues dispositive motions.

Tafaro has been recognized by clients and peers among Best Lawyers® in Employment Law and Commercial Litigation, and in 2022, she was honored by New Orleans CityBusiness “Leadership in Law” for her professional and community achievements.