A Texas high schooler and an African-American boy saw each other involved in a bizarre argument around Boys should wear long hair either loose braids and whether this “privilege” should be reserved for girls. The fight ended in defeat for the student in court.
A state judge just upheld the Barbers Hill Independent School District (BHISD) outside Houston’s decision to suspend 18-year-old student Darryl George for attending class with long hair and imposed that disciplinary action It is not a violation of a state law that prevents discrimination based on hairstyles in schools and the workplace.
In his ruling, Judge Chap Cain III concluded that BHISD’s dress and grooming code did not violate Texas Crown Law prohibits discrimination based on hair texture or racist styles, such as: B. Braids.
George has been in a disciplinary program since August last year when the school discovered this Her hair violated personal care guidelines, The Male students are prohibited from wearing hair that extends far beyond their earlobes or neckeven if it collects on the student’s head, reports Efe.
George’s family said they intend to continue the legal battle despite the verdict. “Darryl told me straight up with tears in his eyes, ‘It’s all because of my hair? Can’t I do my training because of my hair? “Isn’t it because of my hair that I can’t be with other classmates and enjoy my third year?” her mother explained, according to CNN.
For her part, state representative Rhetta Bowers, author of the Crown law, said in statements quoted by the Texas Tribune that she was “disappointed” by the judge’s decision, which she said undermined the measure’s purpose of protecting the minority. undermines groups.
“The Case of Darryl George serves as a poignant reminder of the systemic injustices that persist in our society. particularly when it comes to issues of race and self-expression,” Bowers said.
“No one should ever feel inferior or face obstacles in their education or career because of their hairstyle,” the lawmaker added to the newspaper.
A law to prevent hair discrimination
The Texas Crown Law went into effect on September 1, 2023 and prohibits discrimination based on hairstyles commonly associated with a particular race or culture.
Texas Rep. Ron Reynolds, one of the co-authors of the regulations who testified in court on George’s behalf, also said he was disappointed with the outcome.