Black Texas Student & School Board Now Headed To Trial After The Teen Refused To Cut His Locs

A Black Texas student who refused to cut his locs will head to court to defend his decision. 

On Wednesday, a judge ruled that Barbers Hill Independent School District and student Darryl George will head to trial to determine if the school board violated the Texas CROWN Act by suspending George because his locs were too long. 

The 18-year-old was reportedly placed on in-school suspension in August for violating the school’s dress and grooming policy related to his hair. After George continuously refused to trim his hair, he faced subsequent suspensions and was transferred to a disciplinary alternative education program in October. The family filed a federal civil rights lawsuit in September, alleging CROWN Act violations for trying to force him into cutting his hair, even though it is typically pinned up in various styles. 

The district’s grooming code states, “Male students’ hair will not extend, at any time, below the eyebrows or below the ear lobes. Male students’ hair must not extend below the top of a t-shirt collar or be gathered or worn in a style that would allow the hair to extend below the top of a t-shirt collar, below the eyebrows, or below the ear lobes when let down.”

Greg Poole, the superintendent of Barbers Hill ISD, stands by the decision. In a January 14th piece in the Houston Chronicle, Hille explained, “Being an American requires conformity with the positive benefit of unity and being a part of something bigger than yourself.” However, George’s family and advocates believe his way of thinking is rooted in racism. 

“This is very dangerous, and he [BHISD Superintendent Greg Poole] has no business having any type of oversight of children and their educational journey,” stated Candice Matthews, a local activist and family friend.