February 25th 2024.
Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee has joined the fight against alleged hair discrimination in Texas public schools. She is standing in solidarity with a teenager who has been facing ongoing battles with Barber Hills High School for wearing his hair in locs.
At a press conference on February 23rd, Rep. Lee passionately urged the Department of Education to investigate the case of Darryl George. In footage shared by Fox 26, the 18-year-old student has been suspended since the beginning of the school year in August for his locs. Despite his family's arguments that his natural Black hairstyle is protected by the Crown Act, which was legalized in the state in May 2023, George has been forced into alternative school or in-school suspension. This is in direct violation of the school's dress code, as previously covered by BLACK ENTERPRISE.
"It's disheartening that in 2024, we still have to fight against discrimination based on one's appearance," Lee stated at the press conference. "It's absurd to isolate a teenage boy and restrict his interactions with his peers, all because of the way he chooses to wear his hair. There is no valid reason for this type of treatment."
The Texas lawmaker expressed her shock and disappointment at having to rally behind George to ensure he is not discriminated against. "I am stunned, literally stunned, that I have to fight for young Mr. George to be treated like a decent human being and receive the education that his family's tax dollars pay for every day," she said.
Lee's support for George comes after a recent court ruling in favor of the Texas school district, claiming that the Crown Act was not violated because the issue was with the length of the teen's locs. In response to this, the superintendent of Barber Hills Independent School District, Greg Poole, denied any claims of racism and stated that the Crown Act does not protect "unlimited self-expression."
"The CROWN Act does not give students unlimited self-expression," Poole stated in a written statement published by the Houston Chronicle. "Maintaining high expectations has made Barbers Hill ISD a state leader in all areas, and our high standards benefit students of all ethnicities... Falsely accusing someone of racism is just as harmful as actual racism and undermines efforts to address violations of constitutionally protected rights."
Despite this setback, Lee remains determined to seek justice for George. She believes that the issue goes beyond the Crown Act and is a violation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. As the legal battle continues, Lee stands by George and his family in their fight against hair discrimination in schools.
In conclusion, the case of Darryl George serves as a reminder that discrimination is still prevalent in our society, and we must continue to fight against it. Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee's support for George and her efforts to seek justice show that there are still people in positions of power who are willing to stand up for what is right. Let us hope that this case serves as a catalyst for change and brings an end to hair discrimination in schools.
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