Texas Judge Rules in Favor of School District in Hair Discrimination Case
In a recent bench trial, a Texas judge ruled in favor of Barbers Hill Independent School District (BHISD) regarding a case of alleged hair discrimination against 18-year-old Darryl George. The school district had suspended George for violating the dress code due to the length of his locs. The ruling stated that the suspension did not violate the state’s CROWN Act, which prohibits race-based hair discrimination. This decision has sparked controversy and debate around the interpretation of the law and its implications.
Darryl George, a Black student at Barbers Hill ISD, expressed his deep connection to his locs, stating, “It’s my roots. It’s how I feel closer to my people, how I feel closer to my ancestors.” He also shared his emotional response to the suspension, saying, “It’s put a lot of emotions on me—anger, sadness, disappointment.” George’s mother, Darresha George, filed a complaint on his behalf, arguing that BHISD had violated the Texas CROWN Act.
Superintendent Dr. Greg Poole defended the district’s actions, claiming that the CROWN Act does not specifically mention hair length. The lawsuit filed by BHISD aimed to clarify whether the law was being violated. The judge, Chap Cain III, ultimately sided with the district, stating that the dress code did not infringe upon the CROWN Act.
Following the verdict, Dr. Poole expressed his satisfaction with the ruling, stating, “The Texas legal system has validated our position that the district’s dress code does not violate the CROWN Act and that the CROWN Act does not give students unlimited self-expression.” He further drew a parallel between this case and the recent Supreme Court ruling on affirmative action, suggesting that similar reasoning could be applied to the CROWN Act in the future.
However, Texas Legislative Black Caucus Rep. Jolanda Jones disagreed with this interpretation. She emphasized the importance of the CROWN Act and criticized the judge and the district for misinterpreting it. Jones argued that cultural confidence was lacking and said, “Your hairstyle doesn’t determine whether you can learn or not.” She pointed out that George’s hair was pulled back and above his eyebrows, indicating that it was not a hindrance to his education.
The George family’s attorney announced their intention to seek an injunction from a federal court. They also have a pending federal civil rights lawsuit against Texas Governor Greg Abbott and Attorney General Ken Paxton for their alleged failure to enforce the law. BHISD has previously faced similar controversies, with two other Black male students, De’Andre Arnold and Kaden Bradford, clashing with the district over the dress code in 2020. Their families sued the school district, and a federal judge ruled in their favor, deeming the hair policy discriminatory. This case played a crucial role in inspiring Texas lawmakers to pass the CROWN Act.
The ruling in favor of Barbers Hill ISD has reignited discussions about the need for clearer guidelines and understanding of the CROWN Act. It highlights the ongoing struggle against hair discrimination and raises questions about the extent of protection provided by the law. As the George family continues their legal battle and advocates push for greater cultural sensitivity, the outcome of this case will undoubtedly shape future discussions around race-based hair discrimination in schools and beyond.