Texas school did not discriminate against Black teen by punishing him over dreadlocks, judge rules

A judge has ruled that a Texas high school did not discriminate in punishing a Black teen who refused to change his dreadlocks hairstyle.

The judge said that the school’s dress and grooming policies do not violate the state’s CROWN Act that took effect in September to prohibit race-based hair discrimination.

The act bars employers and schools from penalising people because of hair texture or protective hairstyles including Afros, braids, locks, twists or Bantu knots.

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

The spokesperson for the George family said the judgement and the trial have left the teenager with tears in his eyes and they plan to file an appeal.

“All because of my hair?” Mr George said, according to the family’s spokesperson. “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.”

His mother, Darresha George, filed a complaint on her son’s behalf claiming the district violated the new law and said the braided dreadlock has cultural significance in the black community.