The case against Darrly George, who was suspended from school in Texas for wearing her hair in dreadlocks, has concluded. District Judge Chap Cain III ruled that the Barbers Hill High School administration’s suspension of George because of her dreadlocks was not racist.
Cain stated that George was disciplined for the school’s dress code rule “regarding the length of men’s hair” and therefore did not violate the “Crown Act”. Enacted on September 1, 2023, the Crown Act prevents racial discrimination in Texas on the basis of one’s natural hair.
Judge Cain said that his decision was not easy and that the source of the problem was “legislators” or “the school board”. He advised the family to turn to these authorities for a solution.
Allie Booker, one of George’s lawyers, announced that they will appeal the verdict.
George’s parents, who were suspended from school on August 31 last year for dreadlocks, went to court on September 29, 2023, after the Crown Act came into force. The school board took the matter to the provincial court to clarify whether the dress code violated the Crown Act.
Litigation Process and Reactions
George’s family and advocates argued that dreadlocks were an important part of black culture and that banning the style was racist. The school administration argued that the dress code applied equally to all students and that there was no racial discrimination.
Judge Cain’s decision has provoked different reactions from both sides. George’s family and advocates reacted to the decision, while the school board welcomed it.
We will be following the latest developments in the case and the appeal process.
