May 24th 2024.
A young Black student in Texas, Darryl George, found himself at the center of a controversial lawsuit that has been brought before a federal judge. The 18-year-old, along with his mother Darresha, filed the lawsuit in 2023, alleging racial and gender discrimination after he was punished for refusing to change his hairstyle. The fate of the lawsuit now rests in the hands of U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Brown, who heard arguments on May 23.
The lawsuit names several defendants, including the Barbers Hill Independent School District, its superintendent, principal, and assistant principal, as well as Texas Governor Greg Abbott and Attorney General Ken Paxton. The dispute began when George was reprimanded for the length of his dreadlocks, which the school district claimed violated their dress code. As a result, George has not been able to attend his regular classes at Barbers Hill High School in Mont Belvieu since August 31.
The district argues that George's hair, which he usually wears twisted on top of his head, breaks the policy because if it were let down, it would hang below his collar, eyebrows, or earlobes. However, George and his mother argue that other students with dreadlocks are allowed to have longer hair. They also accuse the defendants of failing to address the racial and gender discrimination that George has faced.
While waiting for the judge's ruling, Darresha expressed her relief that her son's day in court had finally arrived. George himself stated that this was just another step in their fight for justice. The lawsuit alleges multiple violations, including the First Amendment rights to free speech and expression, as well as the CROWN Act, a state law that prohibits hair discrimination based on race.
In February 2024, the family suffered a setback when a judge ruled that the school district's dress code did not violate the CROWN Act. However, George's attorney, Allie Booker, and Judge Brown argue that the district's policy is discriminatory because it allows religious exemptions for hair length but does not offer the same protections for race-based hairstyles. Booker also points out that there are no rules specifically for girls.
After the hearing, George chose not to make a statement, but his attorney revealed that he was feeling discouraged as he struggled to find a summer job due to the ongoing case. Booker expressed concern that those who oppose the lawsuit may hold it against George. However, the Congressional Black Caucus has shown support for George and his family, inviting them to Washington, D.C. for the State of the Union Address in March 2024. The Caucus's chair, Rep. Steven Horsford, stated that there is no justification for the way the school district has treated George.
The lead sponsor of the CROWN Act, Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman, also condemned the school district's actions, calling George's months-long in-school suspension "atrocious." During the hearing, Judge Brown mentioned the possibility of dismissing Governor Abbott and Attorney General Paxton from the lawsuit, as well as some claims against the school district's superintendent and administrators. He has promised to issue a final ruling at a later date.
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