(PatriotSpotlight.org) – A Texas judge recently ruled to uphold the authority of school dress codes to impose limitations on the length of male students’ natural hair. This decision came despite the state’s landmark CROWN Act, which was passed with the aim of prohibiting discrimination related to hairstyles associated with various races or cultures. The decision is a setback for Darryl George, a Houston area high school student, who pursued legal action against the Barbers Hill Independent School District after being suspended from school for months due to the length of his hairstyle.
In the wake of the decision, Candice Matthews, spokesperson for the George family, expressed disappointment, even claiming that Darryl had been left in tears, being forced to question why his education and social opportunities ought to be impacted by his hairstyle. Texas state Rep. Ron Reynolds, who co-authored the CROWN Act, expressed his frustration over the ruling, vowing to “continue to speak truth to power,” and push for laws that would protect students like Darryl George.
Superintendent Greg Poole, who oversees the Barbers Hill Independent School District lauded the ruling, praising the fact that it affirmed his and other district’s right to their chosen dress code policies and rejected the notion of unlimited self-expression for students. The school’s dress code currently allows dreadlock hairstyles but implements limits on the length of male students’ hair.
The legal battle over George’s hair has garnered widespread attention and prompted support, with protests even being held near the school superintendent’s residence and sparking ongoing civil rights lawsuits against both school officials and state leaders.
Issuing a statement press prior to the trial, George noted his frustration over the matter, stressing the cultural significance of his hair and slamming his perceived experience of racial discrimination.
Dreadlock hairstyles, also referred to as dreads or locs, consist of rope-like hair strands that can be achieved by not combing hair and permitting it to naturally mat and eventually become tight braids. The style can also be achieved by twisting techniques. Although the hairstyle has been worn by various cultures throughout history, it is also associated with various African and African diasporan traditions.
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