Texas Judge Rules Against Student in CROWN Act Hair Length Case
A Texas judge has delivered a disappointing ruling for Darryl George, a high school student from the Houston area who sued the Barbers Hill Independent School District over the length of his locs hairstyle. The judge stated that the state’s CROWN Act, which went into effect on September 1, 2023, does not prohibit school dress codes from limiting a student’s hair length. This decision has left the George family devastated, and they plan to appeal the ruling.
The trial took an emotional toll on Darryl George, who left the courtroom with tears in his eyes. His spokesperson, Candice Matthews, expressed their disappointment, anger, and confusion regarding the ruling. Darryl questioned why his education and social life were being impacted by something as trivial as his hair. Despite the setback, Darryl will continue serving in-school suspension, and his attorneys are preparing to file for an injunction in an upcoming federal civil rights lawsuit.
Supporters of Darryl George have rallied behind him, holding signs during protests outside the home of Barbers Hill Independent School District superintendent Greg Poole. They believe that the purpose of the CROWN Act is to protect students like Darryl, and they are determined to continue fighting for his rights.
Texas state Rep. Ron Reynolds, who co-authored the CROWN Act and testified on George’s behalf during the trial, expressed his disappointment with the ruling. He emphasized that lawmakers will not give up and will file new legislation if Darryl’s appeal is unsuccessful. This legislation would specifically address hair length as a form of discrimination.
The Barbers Hill dress code allows students to wear locs hairstyles but enforces limitations on the hair length of male students. It states that boys’ hair should not extend below the eyebrows, ear lobes, or top of a t-shirt collar. Last September, the school district filed a declaratory judgment lawsuit seeking clarification on whether their dress and grooming code violated the CROWN Act. Superintendent Greg Poole defended the school district’s position, arguing that they are protecting the rights of their community to set standards and expectations for their school district.
Darryl George’s struggle goes beyond the courtroom. He spoke about the loneliness he has experienced during this academic year, spending most of it in isolation and on in-school suspension. His locs hairstyle holds deep significance for him, connecting him to his heritage and ancestors. Darryl expressed his anger at having to fight for his rights repeatedly, despite the progress that has been made in recognizing Black history.
Regardless of the outcome, Darryl George and his family are grateful for the support they have received from their community. Facing emotional distress caused by school officials and Texas state leaders, including Governor Greg Abbott, they have filed a federal civil rights lawsuit. They hope that through their legal actions, the issue will be resolved and that future students will not have to endure the same discrimination.
The ruling in Darryl George’s case highlights the ongoing struggle for equality and justice in schools. It serves as a reminder that despite legislation such as the CROWN Act being in place, there is still work to be done to ensure that all students can express themselves freely without facing discrimination based on their appearance.
