Black Student Suspended Twice For Hairstyle In Texas School

In a recent update on a Texas high school student’s hairstyle suspension, Darryl George, a Black student from Barbers Hill High School in Mont Belvieu, Texas, faced another suspension when he returned to school on Monday. 

This suspension comes after he had already been suspended for over two weeks due to his loc hairstyle, which was deemed a violation of the Barbers Hill Independent School District’s dress code.

The district’s dress code specifically states that male students’ hair should not extend below the eyebrows or below the earlobes. 

Allie Booker, an attorney representing the George family, revealed that school officials have requested a meeting with Darryl and his mother to discuss further disciplinary actions related to his hairstyle. The family has been given until Wednesday to meet with school officials.

Booker expressed concerns that the school might attempt to expel Darryl, but the family is determined not to consent to such an outcome. Earlier, the family was informed that Darryl would be placed in a Disciplinary Alternative Education Program (alternative school) if he did not cut his hair, according to the attorney.

This controversy unfolded around the same time as the state’s CROWN Act went into effect, a law designed to prevent discrimination based on hair texture or protective hairstyles like locs and braids. 

Darryl’s mother, Darresha George, mentioned that the family is contemplating legal action in response to these ongoing issues with the school’s dress code enforcement.

In addition to the locs hairstyle, Darryl received reprimands for wearing frayed jeans, which were also against the dress code. The school offered him the option to change his clothes, but only if he agreed to cut his hair. When he refused to cut his hair, he was placed on in-school suspension. 

The Barbers Hill Independent School District declined to comment on the matter, citing its inability to discuss disciplinary matters involving students.