Texas high school sends Black student back to in-school suspension over his locs hairstyle

A Texas high school in Mont Belvieu has placed a Black student, Darryl George, in in-school suspension once again, citing non-compliance with the school’s dress code due to his locs hairstyle. This latest incident has reignited a long-standing dispute over the school’s dress code policy, which the George family deems discriminatory.

Darryl George, an 18-year-old student, has faced a suspension lasting 13 days for his hairstyle being considered out of compliance when left down. This disciplinary action occurred on his first day back at Barbers Hill High School after spending a month in an off-site disciplinary program. Shockingly, George has already spent over 80% of his junior year away from his regular classroom due to previous suspensions related to his hair.

This contentious issue began in August when school officials initially removed George from the classroom, asserting that his braided locs exceeded the prescribed length by extending below his eyebrows and ear lobes, thereby violating the district’s dress code. In response, his family contends that this punishment is in violation of the CROWN Act, a law that was enacted in Texas in September to prevent race-based hair discrimination. The school administration, however, maintains that the CROWN Act does not specifically address hair length.

Darryl George’s mother, Darresha George, expressed her family’s ongoing struggle, saying, “We are just trying to take it day by day. That’s all we can do. We do not see the light at the end of the tunnel. But we are not giving up.”

The dress code policy within the Barbers Hill Independent School District gained notoriety in 2020 when another Black student faced a choice between cutting his locs or being barred from returning to school and attending his graduation ceremony. Greg Poole, who has served as district superintendent since 2006, maintains that the policy is legally sound and serves as a lesson for students to conform for the greater good.

School authorities have justified George’s disciplinary measures by citing violations of the dress code, tardiness policy, disruptions in the in-school suspension classroom, and non-compliance with school directives. While completing his punishment in the disciplinary program, George was informed that he would only be allowed to return to regular in-person classes if he trimmed his hair.

In response to this ongoing controversy, George’s family has taken legal action by filing a formal complaint with the Texas Education Agency and a federal civil rights lawsuit. These actions target the state’s governor, attorney general, and the school district, accusing them of failing to enforce the new law that prohibits discrimination based on hairstyles.

The school district itself has filed a lawsuit in a state district court seeking clarification on whether their dress code restrictions concerning hair length for boys violate the CROWN Act.

State Representative Ron Reynolds, a Democrat and chair of the Texas Legislative Black Caucus, has expressed his intention to introduce an amendment during the next legislative session that specifically addresses hair length to prevent the school district from using it as a pretextual argument against complying with the CROWN Act. Reynolds has criticized the school’s actions, asserting that they are acting in bad faith to continue discriminating against African American students.

Darryl George, at the center of this controversy, feels singled out, especially considering that there are other boys in the school with longer hairstyles than his. His family’s request for an exemption based on the cultural and religious significance of his hairstyle was denied, adding to the frustration he and his family continue to endure.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Discrimination

More about Discrimination

• Texas High School Faces Backlash Over Black Student’s Locs Suspension
• CROWN Act in Texas
• Previous Controversy in 2020 Over Student’s Locs
• Legal Actions Taken by Darryl George’s Family
• Legislative Efforts to Address Hair Discrimination