Judge rules Texas school’s hair length policies do not violate CROWN Act

ANAHUAC, Texas — A judge on Thursday ruled that a Texas high school was not violating the state’s CROWN Act by punishing a Black teen over the length of his dreadlocks.

State District Judge Chap Cain III said the Barbers Hill Independent School District’s dress and grooming policies do not violate the CROWN Act, which prohibits race-based hair discrimination at work, school and in housing facilities in the state. The decision was met with sighs and gasps by many of those gathered in the courthouse, which included student Darryl George’s supporters and natural-hair advocates.

Cain said the district’s policy “does not prohibit nor does it discriminate against male students who wear braids, locs, or twists.”

Candice Matthews, the family’s spokesperson, told reporters after the trial that George left with tears in his eyes and lamented the decision.

“All because of my hair?” he said, according to Matthews. “I can’t get my education because of my hair. I can’t be around my peers and enjoy my junior year because of my hair.” Matthews said the family has vowed not to “lay down. They would continue to fight.”

The decision is the latest development in a monthslong battle between George’s family and the Barbers Hill Independent School District.

“We appreciate clarification for the court because it’s an important question,” Sara Leon, a representative for the district, said of the ruling. “We’re glad to understand what the law means.”

George, a junior at the school in Mont Belvieu, outside of Houston, has been in in-school suspension or at an off-site disciplinary program since August, when school officials said George’s hair violated a district dress code regulating the length of boys’ hair.

George and his family have refused to