18 September 2023 , 20:01
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A Texas school is under fire after a Black student was suspended because he wears his hair in dreadlocks, in the same week the state banned discrimination based on hairstyles.
Darryl George, 17, was suspended from Barbers Hill High School in Mont Belvieu, and was told he would have to leave school last week because his hair fell below his eyebrows and ear lobes. In defiance of the school decision, Darryl's mum Darresha George said her son will be returning to the establishment wearing his dreadlocks in a ponytail.
Barbers Hill Independent School District prohibits male students from having hair extending below the eyebrows, ear lobes or top of a t-shirt collar, but young Darryl's hair was pinned up. Ms George said she was confused about how her son's hair violated the code because of this reason.
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Black American hair became political as the fight for rights continued (AP)She said her son has been growing his dreadlocks for nearly 10 years and it hasn't been a problem before. The irked mum said she even spoke to the principal and vice principal about the recently enacted CROWN act.
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CROWN, an acronym for "Create a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair," came into effect in Texas on September 1. It is intended to prohibit race-based hair discrimination and bars employers and schools from punishing people because of their hair.
The specifics of the act relate to protective hairstyles including Afros, braids, dreadlocks, twists or Bantu knots. This is not yet federal law - the version passed in the House, but not the Senate, last year - but 24 states have their own version of CROWN.
Ms George said she was told by school officials the act does not cover the length of hair. Attorney Allie Booker, who represents the family, said the school's argument doesn't hold up because length is considered part of a hairstyle, which is protected under the law.
"We are going to continue to fight, because you can't tell someone that hairstyles are protected and then be restrictive. If style is protected, then style is protected," Ms Booker said.
Candice Matthews, left, National minister of politics for the New Black Panther Nation; Darryl George, centre left and his mother Darresha George (AP)Candice Matthews, national minister of politics for the New Black Panther Nation, explained hair can be an important part of a Black person's identity and has been both historically and culturally important. "Dreadlocks are perceived as a connection to wisdom," Matthews said.
She continued: "This is not a fad, and this is not about getting attention. Hair is our connection to our soul, our heritage and our connection to God."
Historians say braids and other hairstyles served as methods of communication across African societies, including to identify tribal affiliation or marriage status, and as clues to safety and freedom for those who were captured and enslaved.
After slavery was abolished, Black American hair became political. Although the Civil Rights Act of 1964 banned discrimination on the basis of race, colour, religion, sex, and national origin, Black people continued to face professional and social stigma for not adopting grooming habits that fit white, European beauty standards and norms.
Darryl's hair was pinned up, his mum said (AP)Greg Poole, who has been district superintendent since 2006, said the policy is legal and teaches students to conform as a sacrifice benefitting everyone.
"When you are asked to conform ... and give up something for the betterment of the whole, there is a psychological benefit," Poole said. "We need more teaching (of) sacrifice."
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Ms George has said she and her son will continue to wear his hair in the way he chooses and Darryl's suspension was an example of an "administration being prejudiced toward Black hairstyles, toward Black culture." The school district defended itself, saying its policies are meant to "teach grooming and hygiene, instill discipline, prevent disruption, avoid safety hazards and teach respect for authority."
School officials have reportedly threatened to enroll Daryll n an alternative school if he does not comply. Ms George continued: "He will be up to the dress code on Monday with his dreadlocks, which do not go past his eyebrows or ear lobes."
She added: "His grades are suffering, which also means he is not able to play football or participate in any extracurriculars... He was on track to graduate early, and now he is falling behind and will have to work double time just so he can still graduate."