A Texas judge has ordered a trial date for Darryl George, a Houston-area teen who has been suspended from his school for months due to the length of his locs hairstyle. The trial, set to begin on February 22, will determine whether the school’s dress code violates the state’s Crown Act, a law that prohibits discrimination based on hairstyles commonly associated with race.
The controversy surrounding Darryl George’s suspension stems from the dress code enforced by the Barbers Hill Independent School District. While the dress code allows students to wear locs hairstyles, it places restrictions on the length of male students’ hair. According to the code, male students’ hair cannot extend below the top of a t-shirt collar, below the eyebrows, or below the ear lobes when let down.
Will Supreme Court Trump immunity case delay New York trial?
George and his family maintain that his locs hairstyle should be protected under the state’s Crown Act, arguing that it is a form of discrimination to enforce such restrictions on a hairstyle commonly associated with race. They filed a federal civil rights lawsuit against the district and Texas Governor Greg Abbott, alleging that George’s suspension violates the law.
As the trial date approaches, both sides of the legal battle are preparing their arguments. The school district, represented by Superintendent Greg Poole, filed for a declaratory judgment last year, asserting that the dress code is not in violation of the Crown Act. Poole argues that the law was never intended to allow unlimited student expression and that the district has always allowed braids, locs, or twists.
George and his mother, represented by attorney Allie Booker, believe that the dress code is selectively enforced and hope that the trial will bring justice not only for George but for other Black males who have faced discrimination within the Barbers Hill Independent School District.
Throughout the months of his suspension, George has remained on in-school suspension, according to family spokesperson Candice Matthews. However, the suspension will reportedly not affect his ability to graduate. The district has implemented a program for George to complete his courses in dress-code ISS (in-school suspension) if he chooses not to trim his hair. Each ISS classroom is equipped with a teacher to assist students in completing their regular coursework.
Justice Served: Man Sentenced to 25 Years for Kaylin Gillis Murder
The case has sparked a heated debate within the community and attracted attention from media outlets. Some argue that the school district’s dress code is outdated and discriminatory, while others believe that conformity is necessary for unity and academic excellence. In an attempt to defend their position, Superintendent Greg Poole placed a full-page ad in the Houston Chronicle, emphasizing the district’s commitment to setting standards and expectations for their community.
As the trial date approaches, both sides anticipate a definitive ruling on the matter. The outcome of this case could have far-reaching implications not only for Darryl George but for students across Texas and the United States who have faced similar discrimination based on their hairstyles.
