A federal judge in Texas has denied a request by a Black high school student, Darryl George, to return to his school without fear of punishment for his hairstyle. George, who wears his hair in tied and twisted locs on top of his head, had been serving in-school suspension over his hairstyle. The school district argued that his hair length violated policy.
Judge Jeffrey Brown denied George’s request for a temporary restraining order, stating that he and his lawyers had waited too long to ask. The judge dismissed most of the claims in a federal lawsuit against the school district, allowing only the gender discrimination claim to stand. Brown ruled that the school district was more likely to prevail in the remaining claim.
George’s lawyer had indicated that the student suffered a nervous breakdown and transferred to another school after facing the punishment. The school district defended its dress code, stating that policies aim to teach hygiene, discipline, and respect for authority. George’s lawsuit also cited the CROWN Act, a state law prohibiting hair-based discrimination.
Despite the ruling, the legal battle continues as George fights for his right to wear his hair the way he chooses without facing discrimination. The CROWN Act, which took effect in September 2023, aims to protect individuals from penalties based on their hair texture or protective hairstyles. The case highlights the ongoing debate over school dress codes and the rights of students to express their cultural identity through their appearance.
Source
Photo credit www.nbcdfw.com