A lawsuit concerning racial and gender discrimination filed by a Black Texas high school student over his hairstyle is now under review by a federal judge.
Darryl George, 18, along with his mother, Darresha, filed a federal civil rights lawsuit in 2023 after George faced repercussions for the length of his dreadlocks at Barbers Hill High School in Mont Belvieu.
The lawsuit, currently being considered by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Brown, targets Barbers Hill Independent School District, along with the district superintendent, principal, assistant principal, and state officials including Governor Greg Abbott and Attorney General Ken Paxton.
George has been out of regular classes since August 31, as the school district claims his hair length violates dress code policies.
The district argues that George’s hair, typically styled in twists atop his head, breaches policy guidelines because, if untwisted, it extends below his shirt collar, eyebrows, or earlobes.
While awaiting the judge’s decision, Darresha expressed relief that her son’s case had reached the courtroom. She stressed the importance of their ongoing fight against discrimination.
The lawsuit alleges violations of free speech and the CROWN Act, a state law prohibiting race-based hair discrimination, which took effect in September.
Despite losing a previous lawsuit in February 2024, George’s attorney, Allie Booker, and Judge Brown contend that the district’s policy is discriminatory and fails to uphold provisions of the CROWN Act.
Following a recent hearing, George’s attorney expressed concerns about potential repercussions on his summer job search due to opposition to the lawsuit.
Despite such challenges, George has garnered support from various quarters, including the Congressional Black Caucus, which invited him and his mother to the State of the Union Address in March 2024.
However, Judge Brown hinted at possibly dismissing some defendants from the lawsuit and certain claims against school administrators, with a final ruling expected at a later date.
