Darryl George, an 18-year-old high school student from the Barbers Hill school district in Texas, has left the district rather than endure another year of in-school suspension over his hairstyle. George, who was punished for most of his junior year due to the length of his hair styled in locs, is now seeking a temporary restraining order from a federal judge to allow him to return to school while his ongoing lawsuit against the district proceeds. U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Brown is scheduled to hear George’s request on October 3.
George’s legal battle has gained attention after Judge Brown dismissed most of the claims made against the school district, allowing only a gender discrimination claim to stand. The judge questioned whether the district’s hair length policy caused more harm than good. Meanwhile, attorneys representing the school district argue that they do not have jurisdiction over George’s request since he is no longer enrolled and maintain that their dress code is designed to teach discipline and respect for authority.
The CROWN Act, recently enacted in Texas, prohibits discrimination based on hair texture and protective styles, and George’s lawsuit alleges that the district’s punishment violates this law. A previous state court ruling sided with the school district, asserting that its policies did not infringe upon the CROWN Act. George’s case echoes previous challenges to the district’s hair policy, highlighting ongoing tensions surrounding racial and cultural expression within school environments.
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