A federal judge is weighing a lawsuit from a Black high school student alleging racial and gender discrimination over his hairstyle. Darryl George, 18, has faced months of punishment from his Texas school district. His case raises critical questions about cultural identity and school dress codes.
Judge Delays Decision on Student’s Discrimination Lawsuit
A federal judge refrained from issuing an immediate ruling on Thursday after hearing arguments about a lawsuit filed by a Black high school student. The student, Darryl George, alleges racial and gender discrimination over his extended punishment for refusing to change his hairstyle.
Hair Policy Keeps Student Out of Class
Darryl George, 18, has been out of his regular high school classes in the Houston area since August 31. The Barbers Hill school district claims his hairstyle violates their dress code.
School District Defends Dress Code
The district argues that George’s tied and twisted locs, when let down, fall below the permissible length according to their policy. They insist other students with locs comply with the same length policy.
Family Files Federal Lawsuit
Darryl George and his mother, Darresha George, filed a federal civil rights lawsuit against the school district and several officials. The suit also names Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and Attorney General Ken Paxton as defendants.
Allegations of Discrimination
The lawsuit claims the defendants have either participated in or failed to prevent racial and gender discrimination against George. His ongoing punishment over his hairstyle is at the center of these allegations.
Family Stands Firm
Darresha George expressed relief at reaching the court hearing stage. She emphasized that this moment is just another step in their ongoing battle.
Violation of the CROWN Act
The lawsuit argues that George’s punishment violates the CROWN Act, a new state law against race-based hair discrimination. This law, effective since September, protects against penalties for natural hair textures and protective hairstyles.
First Amendment Rights Challenged
The suit also claims George’s First Amendment rights to free speech and expression are being violated. George has spent most of the school year in in-school suspension or an off-site disciplinary program.
Legal Arguments Presented
Allie Booker, George’s attorney, told the judge that the district’s policy is discriminatory and not race neutral. She argued that the school was making religious exemptions but not adhering to the CROWN Act.
Question of Policy Clarity
Booker contended that the school lacked clear policies on hair length differences between boys and girls. She emphasized that self-expression through hairstyle does not need to be tied to religious beliefs to be protected.
District’s Defense
Jonathan Brush, representing the school district, maintained that their policy is race neutral. He argued that differing hair length restrictions for boys and girls do not constitute discrimination.
Ongoing Legal Battle
Brush insisted that the district’s hair length policy would hold up in various settings like workplaces and the military. The case continues as both sides await a judicial decision.
District Argues First Amendment Not Violated
Jonathan Brush, the school district’s attorney, argued that Darryl George’s First Amendment rights aren’t being violated. He claimed the student failed to demonstrate that his hairstyle communicates a message.
Cultural and Religious Significance Highlighted
Darresha George emphasized that her son’s hairstyle holds cultural and religious importance. Historians note that hairstyles like braids carry significant cultural meaning for many African Americans.
Judge Considers Narrowing the Case
Judge Brown indicated he might dismiss Gov. Abbott, AG Paxton, and some claims against school officials from the lawsuit. A final ruling will be issued later.
Previous Rulings on Hair Policies
In February, a state judge ruled that the school’s punishment did not violate the CROWN Act. This policy was also challenged in a 2020 federal lawsuit by two other students, one of whom returned to school after a judge’s temporary injunction.
Emotional Toll on Student
After the hearing, Darryl George declined to comment. His attorney, Allie Booker, mentioned that George is feeling down as he’s struggling to find a summer job.
Fear of Retaliation
Booker expressed concerns that people disagreeing with the case might hold it against George. She noted that this fear has affected his job search efforts.
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