Texas Student Fights to Return to School After Hair Policy Dispute
Darryl George, an 18-year-old Black student, is seeking to return to his Houston-area high school after leaving due to ongoing punishment related to his hairstyle. For most of his junior year, George was placed in in-school suspension by the Barbers Hill School District for violating its dress code, which restricts hair length. Now, he is asking a federal judge for a temporary restraining order to prevent further punishment and allow him to attend his senior year while his lawsuit proceeds.
Legal Battle Over Hair Length and School Policy
George’s troubles began when the Barbers Hill School District claimed his locs, worn tied up, violated their dress code. The school argued that if his hair were let down, it would fall below his shirt collar, eyebrows, or earlobes—breaching the policy. Despite this, George maintains that his hairstyle is part of his identity and should not be subject to punishment.
Earlier this year, George and his mother filed a lawsuit alleging racial and gender discrimination, but a U.S. District Judge dismissed most claims except for gender discrimination. The school district insists that George no longer has grounds to seek a restraining order because he has withdrawn from the district, though George continues to pursue the case.
Emotional Toll and Withdrawal from School
Due to repeated suspensions, George was forced to unenroll from Barbers Hill High School and transfer to a different district. His attorney, Allie Booker, stated that the emotional stress caused by the district’s actions led to a nervous breakdown, making it impossible for him to remain at the school. Despite this, George hopes to return, as his mother had moved to the area specifically for the quality of education offered by the district.
Impact of the CROWN Act and Similar Cases
George’s lawsuit also references the CROWN Act, a Texas law enacted in 2023 that prohibits race-based discrimination based on hair texture or protective hairstyles such as locs, braids, and twists. However, a state judge ruled earlier this year that the district’s enforcement of its dress code did not violate the CROWN Act. This legal battle is not the first of its kind; other students have challenged the district’s hair policy in the past, with one receiving a temporary injunction to return to school.
George’s case, like others, highlights the ongoing debate over dress codes, hair policies, and individual rights within educational institutions. His request for a restraining order is currently under review, with a court hearing scheduled soon to determine if he will be allowed to return for his senior year.
