A Black high school student in Texas has been denied a request by a federal judge for a court order that would have allowed him to return to his high school without fear of facing punishment over his hairstyle. The student, Darryl George, had left his Houston-area high school in the Barbers Hill school district at the start of his senior year in August due to the ongoing issue with his hairstyle.
George’s lawyers had sought a court order that would prevent district officials from continuing to punish him for not cutting his hair, which had resulted in him serving in-school suspension for most of his junior year. The school district argued that George’s long hair, styled in tied and twisted locs on top of his head, violated their policy as it could fall below his shirt collar, eyebrows, or earlobes if let down.
Despite George’s efforts to reenroll at his high school and request for a temporary restraining order, U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Brown in Galveston denied the request, stating that it was made too late in the legal process. This ruling came after most of the claims in the federal lawsuit filed by George and his mother against the school district officials had been dismissed, with only the gender discrimination claim remaining.
George’s legal team argued that the school district’s punishment over his hairstyle also violated the CROWN Act, a state law that prohibits race-based discrimination of hair. However, the district defended its dress code policy as aiming to teach grooming, discipline, respect for authority, and prevent disruption and safety hazards.
Following the judge’s ruling, George, who celebrated his 19th birthday on the same day, and his legal team did not provide immediate comment on the decision. The school district spokesperson also remained unavailable for comment.
George had transferred to another high school in a different district due to mental health concerns and the fear of facing further punishment. The ongoing legal battle highlights the complexities surrounding dress codes, discrimination, and the rights of students relating to their personal appearance in educational settings.