By: Stephanie Ferguson
Black high school senior, Darryl George, has not been able to attend classes since August 31, 2023 due to his hairstyle, locs styled in barrel twist. The Texas school district, Barbers Hill Independent (BHISD), has suspended George multiple times for his violation of the dress code policy, relating to his hair. He has spent every day of the school year in either disciplinary programs or in-school suspension (Chiu).
Darryl George and his mother, Daresha, in front of Barbers Hill High School.
Photo by: Michael Wyke/Associated Press (Mayorquin)
Before we explore the story behind this, let me introduce you to the CROWN Act/ The Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair (CROWN) Act was initially passed in California in 2019. Since then, 23 states, including Texas, have passed their own versions of the CROWN Act (Crown Coalition). This Act prohibits any form of discrimination against an individual based on their hair texture or hairstyle if it is commonly associated with a race or national origin (U.S. Congress). Some examples would be Braids, Dreadlocks, Cornrows, Afros, etc. This includes barrel twist, a hairstyle for Locs that has been used for centuries to signify cultural identity.
Now, let’s look at the specifics of the hair dress code in this public school district. BHISD’s official dress code states: male students’ hair must not extend below the top of a t-shirt collar, below the eyebrows, or below the ear lobes, or worn in a style that would allow the hair to extend below those limits when let down (Barbers Hill ISD).George’s hair style does not conform to these requirements, per his excessive punishments.
The superintendent, Greg Pool, argues that their school dress code does NOT violate the CROWN Act and has filed for a court case to be held on the subject (Chiu). The court case is scheduled to be held on February 22, 2024, ultimately deciding whether the district’s dress code violates the Crown Act. Democratic Texas State Rep. Rhetta Bowers, the main author of the Texas Crown Act, publicly stated in an interview that the legislation was never meant to protect hair length. In contrast, Democratic Texas State Rep. Ron Reynolds, co-author of the Texas Crown Act, criticizes “state leadership” for not enforcing the law, he states, “without enforcement from the state, this unacceptable situation will continue [as a danger] against students who may face [unfair] disciplinary actions despite protections passed by state lawmakers…” (Chiu)
George's family attorney, Allie Booker, claims that “...the truth is [BHISD] allows white males to wear their hair long, just not black ones.” She seeks justice for black males in BHISD who have been facing discrimination for years (Chiu).
While the Texas Crown Act does not explicitly protect the length of hair, Locs are historically and culturally meant to be a long-term commitment and traditionally are grown out throughout life. Locs and other cultural hairstyles can symbolize unity, perseverance, wisdom and heritage. Not only is BHISD suspending black men for violating the dress code, but they’re supposedly allowing white males to violate it with no punishment.
Do you think BHISD’s dress code is a violation of the Crown Act?
Citations:
Barbers Hill ISD. “Barbers Hill ISD - Dress and Grooming.” Barbers Hill ISD - Dress and Grooming Code, Barbers Hill ISD, 23 May 2022, https://resources.finalsite.net/images/v1658765652/bhisd/oinchkulgqrkychthutu/BHISDDressandGroomingCode_1.pdf. Accessed 4 February 2024.
Chiu, David. “Texas Judge Sets Trial Date After Black Student Suspended Over Locs.” People, 25 January 2024, https://people.com/texas-judge-sets-trial-date-after-black-student-suspended-over-locs-8549819. Accessed 4 February 2024.
Crown Coalition. “About — The Official CROWN Act.” CROWN Act, Crown Coalition, https://www.thecrownact.com/about. Accessed 4 February 2024.
U.S. Congress. “Text - H.R.2116 - 117th Congress (2021-2022): Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair Act of 2022.” Congress.gov, 21 March 2022, https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/2116/text. Accessed 4 February 2024.
Mayorquin, Orlando. “Black Student Darryl George Is Suspended Over Locs Again.” The New York Times, 5 December 2023, https://www.nytimes.com/2023/12/05/us/darryl-george-hair-locs-texas.html. Accessed 4 February 2024.
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