Barbers Hill’s court win is a loss for freedom
Last week’s ruling in the Barbers Hill ISD suit against student Darryl George because of his hairstyle is disappointing but not surprising.
The 18-year-old high school student has been through what seems like a legal hell. Still, he kept his emotions together after a Texas judge ruled on Thursday that Barbers Hill ISD didn’t violate the Texas Crown Act, a state law meant to protect children who have hairstyles associated with race from being punished by schools.
He wears beautiful locks tied neatly on top of his head. The district filed the lawsuit, claiming the length of his hair when his locks are down violates school policy.
Before the trial began, George told reporters that spending most of this academic year isolated on in-school suspension because of his hair has been “very lonely.” His mental well-being surely has suffered.
State Rep. Ron Reynolds, who co-authored the Texas legislation, was at George’s side in Anahuac after the ruling and later told me that neither George nor his mother wanted to talk with the media.
“Darryl had tears in his eyes and his mother was visibly shaking. They both have been traumatized. They thought this would be a joyous day, but this nightmare continues,” Reynolds said.
The teen just wants to go to school, he said. He should be allowed to do that.
Whether George and his mother decide to transfer to another district, continue with the appeal, or cut his hair (which we know won’t happen), Reynolds said the legal fight will continue.
The Crown Act, which took effect in September, prohibits race-based hair discrimination based on hair texture or protective hairstyles including Afros, braids, locks, twists or Bantu knots. Most Black peo
ple, and even some nonBlacks, know that protective styles are often longer and may incorporate added-in hair to help maintain moisture, prevent breakage and increase growth.
Barbers Hill ISD Superintendent Greg Poole has been intent from the beginning to prove his point. He took out a full-page ad in the Houston Chronicle last month, stating that studies show districts with “a traditional dress code had higher academic performance” and that conformity is integral to that.
“Being an American requires conformity,” he wrote.
The Crown Act is about much more than hair. It’s about freedom, not conformity. Schools should never force a child to choose between their hair and getting an education.
“I spent the last four years of my life working to pass the Texas Crown Act,” said state Rep. Rhetta Andrews Bowers, who also co-authored the legislation. “I know the impact it will have for generations. I had great hope, but wasn’t blinded by the fact that the ruling could be against the Crown Act. It says a lot about Texas and what they think about people of color. It also says that you can pass civil rights legislation but it doesn’t mean it will be enforced.”
Amending the law to include length isn’t something Andrews Bowers planned on, but she said she’ll do it if necessary.
Her immediate concern is for George’s welfare. The teen may have to repeat his junior year. He has been attending in-school suspension since last fall, Andrews Bowers, a former teacher who taught students in similar programs, said George has had limited access to books and instructional materials and isn’t afforded a hot lunch, as he would in regular school.
“This ruling gives us every reason to wake up tomorrow and continue fighting. This is not the end of Darryl’s story,” she said.