Judge Rules Texas School Didn't Break CROWN Act in Suspending Darryl George Over Hairstyle

In Chambers County, 18-year-old Darryl George expressed his deep connection to his roots and ancestors through his hairstyle, locs. Despite this, a Texas judge ruled in favor of Barbers Hill ISD, stating George's suspension over the length of his locs did not violate the state's CROWN Act.

George was removed from regular classes on August 31 for allegedly breaching the dress code. Interestingly, the Texas CROWN Act, which bars race-based hair discrimination, came into effect just one day later.

The ruling left George feeling a mix of emotions—anger, sadness, and disappointment. His mother, Darresha George, filed a complaint, arguing that BHISD had violated the Texas CROWN Act. Superintendent Dr. Greg Poole defended the district's actions, claiming the Act did not specify length.

In the bench trial, Judge Chap Cain III sided with the district. Dr. Poole expressed satisfaction with the verdict, stating that the dress code doesn't infringe upon the CROWN Act's provisions. He likened the Act's future interpretation to the recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling on affirmative action.

Courtesy :AOL

However, Texas Legislative Black Caucus Rep. Jolanda Jones disagreed, asserting that the judge and the district had misinterpreted the law. She emphasized that the CROWN Act aims to protect students from discrimination.

The George family plans to appeal the decision and has a pending federal civil rights lawsuit against Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and Attorney General Ken Paxton for failing to enforce the law.

This case echoes previous clashes between BHISD and Black male students, such as DE 'Andre Arnold and Kaden Bradford, whose lawsuits against the district over its hair policy led to the passing of the CROWN Act in Texas.