On September 1st, the state of Texas passed the CROWN Act, which prohibited discrimination based on hair textures and styles in the workplace, schools, and housing. 

Regardless of this legislature, a Black high school student in Texas received a suspension for wearing a protective hairstyle just ten days later. 

The student, Darryl George, was asked to cut his hair because it “violated the dress code.” George refused to, hence his suspension, which cost him over a week of class time. 

Although the school denied discrimination at play with the suspension, the likelihood of this claim is extremely slim.

George’s case is a reminder that we must continue fighting for racial justice in schools. 

While the CROWN Act is a step in the right direction, there is clear work to be done regarding enforcement and interpretation. However, it is clear that more work needs to be done to ensure that the law is enforced and that students are not discriminated against for their hair.

The fact that George was suspended for wearing a protective hairstyle raises questions about the school’s enforcement of its dress code and the bias within the dress code.

Do the rules target Black students? 

Would White students receive the same punishments? 

Are those who enforce such dress code biased?

Darryl George’s case is a reminder that we must continue fighting for racial justice in schools. The CROWN Act is a good start, but we must do more to ensure that all students are treated fairly and respectfully.

Citations: