Judge Rules Against Black Student’s Hair Discrimination Case in Texas School District
Anahuac, Texas – In a controversial ruling on Thursday, a judge in Texas sided with a school district that punished a Black high school student for refusing to change his hairstyle. The judge’s decision stated that the punishment did not violate a new state law that prohibits race-based hair discrimination. The case has sparked a heated debate about racial discrimination and personal expression.
Darryl George, an 18-year-old student, has been absent from his regular Houston-area high school classes since August 31 due to his long hair, which the district, Barbers Hill, claims violates the dress code. George wears his hair in tied and twisted locs on top of his head, which the district argues falls below the required length. The district has pointed out that other students with locs comply with the length policy.
After three hours of testimony, State District Judge Chap Cain III ruled in favor of the school district, stating that its policy is not discriminatory because the CROWN Act does not provide exemptions for long hair protected by the law, including locs. The judge emphasized that it is not the role of the courts to rewrite legislation.
The CROWN Act, which came into effect in September, prohibits race-based hair discrimination and prevents employers and schools from penalizing individuals based on their hair texture or protective hairstyles. These protective hairstyles include Afros, braids, locs, twists, or Bantu knots. Despite the ruling, the judge encouraged George to address the issue with the state Legislature or the school board.
George’s family has taken further action by filing a formal complaint with the Texas Education Agency and a federal civil rights lawsuit against Governor Greg Abbott and Attorney General Ken Paxton, along with the school district. They allege that these officials have failed to enforce the CROWN Act. The lawsuit is currently before a federal judge in Galveston.
Allie Booker, George’s attorney, has expressed intentions to seek an injunction in the federal lawsuit to halt George’s punishment and plans to appeal the judge’s decision. Throughout the school year, George, a junior, has either been in an in-school suspension or attending an off-site disciplinary program.
Barbers Hill Superintendent Greg Poole responded to the ruling by stating that the district’s dress code does not violate the CROWN Act and that the legislation does not grant students unlimited self-expression. The district did not present any witnesses during the trial but submitted evidence, including an affidavit from Poole defending the dress code policy. The district’s attorneys argued that the dress code policy does not violate the CROWN Act because it does not address hair length.
Prior to the trial, George and his mother expressed optimism about the outcome. George explained that wearing locs is a way for him to feel closer to his people and ancestors. However, after the ruling, both George and his mother cried and declined to speak with reporters.
State Representative Ron Reynolds, a co-author of the CROWN Act, testified in support of George during the trial. Reynolds argued that while hair length was not explicitly mentioned in the law, it was implied. He stated that it is nearly impossible for someone to comply with the grooming policy and wear protective hairstyles such as locs, braids, or twists.
Reynolds expressed disappointment with the ruling and announced plans to introduce a new version of the CROWN Act that specifically addresses protections for hair length. His goal is to ensure that students like Darryl George are protected from discrimination based on their hairstyles.
The decision has drawn criticism from various individuals and organizations. U.S. Representative Bonnie Watson Coleman, a Democrat from New Jersey who has been advocating for a federal version of the CROWN Act, called the ruling a “terrible interpretation” of the legislation. She believes it exemplifies institutional racism.
Barbers Hill’s hair policy has faced legal challenges in the past. In May 2020, two other students filed a federal lawsuit against the district, alleging discrimination. While one student returned to school after a temporary injunction was granted, the lawsuit is still ongoing.
The case of Darryl George has ignited a broader conversation about racial discrimination and personal expression. Many argue that dress codes should not infringe upon an individual’s cultural identity or heritage. As the legal battle continues, the outcome of this case will have far-reaching implications for students’ rights and the fight against racial discrimination in schools.
