Texas High School Can Punish Black Student for His Hairstyle, Judge Says
The Daily BeastFeb 22
Texas Judge Rules School Code Doesn't Violate Hair Legislation
The Facts
A Texas judge Thursday ruled a high school didn't violate the state’s CROWN Act by disciplining a Black student who refused to cut his dreadlocks. An acronym for “Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair,” the CROWN Act prohibits race-based hair discrimination.
Houston-area student Darryl George sued the Barbers Hill Independent School District after his school suspended him for not cutting his hair. The school’s handbook stipulates that male students cannot have their hair extend beyond their eyebrows or earlobes, or below their shirt’s top collar.
The Spin
Narrative A
This ruling allows Texas schools to discriminate against students based on hairstyle — dealing a crushing blow to Black students who want to express themselves. Dreadlocks should be protected by the CROWN Act, but it's no surprise this school in a district with a history of racial discrimination doesn't see it that way. This ruling must be overturned.
Narrative B
The George family is causing an unnecessary ruckus. The CROWN Act doesn't apply to hair length and the district's dress code is universally applied to students of all races. It's wrong to claim that the school is discriminating against George, and this ruling was the correct one.