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Darryl George, an 18-year-old Black student, is fighting back against his Texas school district after facing suspension for his hairstyle. This case has sparked significant attention regarding racial discrimination and school dress codes.
Dress Code Dispute
Barbers Hill High School enforced a strict dress code that targeted George’s long locs. The school prohibited hairstyles that fell below the collar, eyebrows, or earlobes. Despite tying his locs, school officials deemed his hairstyle a violation. As a result, George faced in-school suspension for most of his junior year.
Legal Action
George’s legal team argues that the punishment violates the CROWN Act. This state law protects individuals from race-based discrimination regarding hair texture and styles like locs, braids, and Afros. Along with his mother, George filed a federal lawsuit alleging both racial and gender discrimination. Although a judge dismissed most of their claims, the gender discrimination claim remains active.
Transfer to New School
Due to the ongoing suspensions, George transferred to a different high school at the beginning of his senior year. His attorney stated that the emotional distress caused by the school’s actions led to a nervous breakdown, which ultimately forced him to leave. Now, George seeks a federal judge’s permission to return to Barbers Hill without facing further punishment.
School’s Defense
The school district argues that George’s hair length disrupted discipline and order within the school. They maintain that their dress code promotes grooming, hygiene, and safety for students. Furthermore, attorneys for the district claim that George’s withdrawal from the school weakens his case for damages, suggesting he has not suffered a constitutional injury.
Upcoming Court Hearing
A court hearing is scheduled for October 3rd. During this hearing, the judge will decide if George can return to Barbers Hill without facing additional consequences. This case echoes a similar legal battle from 2020, where two students previously challenged Barbers Hill’s hair policies. In that instance, one student returned to school after receiving a temporary injunction from a judge who ruled that his rights were likely being violated.
Implications for Race-Based Hair Discrimination
Darryl George’s case highlights a growing national conversation about race-based hair discrimination and the impact of dress codes on students of color. His lawsuit has the potential to set an important precedent in Texas schools and reinforce the protections established by the CROWN Act. The outcome of this case may influence how schools approach hair policies in the future.
