A Baltimore arts executive faced termination amid backlash over her decision to wear cornrows. Kelly Carnes, who served as executive director at the Baltimore Rock Opera Society (BROS), was dismissed after returning from the Burning Man festival. Her hairstyle choice sparked a debate on cultural appropriation.

Attorney Jeremy Eldridge highlighted potential legal implications under Maryland’s CROWN Act. Eldridge noted public statements made by the organization about Carnes’ hairstyle could serve as evidence if she challenges 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 commented.

Carnes explained she opted for cornrows as a protective style for the desert conditions at Burning Man. Following her return to Baltimore, concerns about cultural appropriation arose when a video of her with cornrows at a BROS event surfaced on social media.

BROS acknowledged the feedback and addressed the incident publicly. The organization planned to update its anti-discrimination policy, introduce anti-racism leadership training, and form a group focused on racial equity.

Carnes disclosed that the board advised her against attending a town hall about the controversy. She was later informed her role was “not a good fit.” Eldridge indicated determining if the firing violated the CROWN Act involves investigating the actual motivation behind the decision.

Maryland passed its CROWN Act in 2020, extending anti-discrimination protection to traits linked with race, including hair texture and protective hairstyles such as braids and locks.

The unrest at BROS continues with four of the board’s six members expected to depart by year’s end. Despite the upheaval, a BROS spokesperson emphasized the organization’s focus on supporting its internal community.