September 11th 2023.
A high school student in Texas is still facing punishment for his hairstyle despite the new anti-discrimination law, known as the CROWN Act, being officially recognized. His mother, Daresha, says her son, Darryl George, has been on in-school suspension since the beginning of the school year.
Daresha believes her son's locs are being unfairly targeted, and is not allowing his punishment to go unnoticed. She reported that her son “feels terrible” about the issue. The school district's handbook states that male students cannot have hair that passes below the eyebrows, ears, or t-shirt collar.
However, in 2020, a former student at Barber Hills High School who had locs past the permissible length, sued the school. This lawsuit became a catalyst for the CROWN Act's establishment and passing. Activists on behalf of those affected by hair discrimination are calling out the suspension of the 17-year-old. Texas State House Rep. Ron Reynolds spoke out, stating “Absolutely zero excuse for this school district that knows the policy to do this all over again; it feels like de ja vu.”
A spokesperson for the Barber Hills Independent School District has stated that they are not infringing upon the legislation, as there is no distinction prohibiting schools from regulating hair length. This has caused some ambiguity as to what restrictions are considered discriminatory, and whether or not they could still punish students with natural hair forms such as locs.
It remains to be seen if the George family will take the same route as last year and sue the district. The CROWN Act is now in effect across Texas and 23 other states nationwide, and the outcome of this situation will be an important factor in the enforcement of the law.
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