Nearly a year ago, Texas high school student Darryl George was suspended for his hairstyle—locs that he had been growing for over a decade. School officials claimed his hairstyle violated the school's dress code. Rather than comply, George transferred to another school where he could express himself freely through his hair. Now, as a graduating senior, George is determined to return to his former high school to complete his final year.

For George, his thick locs, typically styled in a neat, twisted ponytail and pinned up, represent more than just a personal style. They symbolize cultural preservation and family heritage, as every male in his family wears locs.

Barbers Hill Independent School District (BHISD) enforces a strict dress code that prohibits male students from wearing hairstyles that extend below their eyebrows, earlobes, or collar. Despite George’s efforts to maintain his locs in a clean updo, their length still violated the district's policy. BHISD has maintained that the dress code is meant to encourage good hygiene, promote proper grooming habits, and prevent safety hazards, all while teaching respect for authority.

However, the policy has come under scrutiny following George's suspension. The teen and his mother filed a lawsuit against the school district’s superintendent, principal, assistant principal, as well as Texas Governor Greg Abbott and Attorney General Ken Paxton, alleging that the enforcement of the dress code violated the CROWN Act and was a form of racial and gender discrimination. The CROWN Act—which stands for Create a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair—went into effect on September 1, 2023, just one day before George was punished for his locs. The law protects individuals from discrimination based on their natural hair, including styles like locs, braids, and afros.

In a ruling by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Brown, most of the claims in the lawsuit were dismissed, including those against the school and state officials. The judge ruled that there was insufficient evidence to prove racial discrimination and that

George’s First Amendment rights had not been violated, as the dress code had not been regularly enforced in the past. However, the gender discrimination claim was not dismissed, leaving room for further legal action.

George’s case has sparked a larger conversation about cultural expression, identity, and whether dress codes unfairly target certain racial and ethnic groups. His fight continues to resonate with those advocating for more inclusive school policies that respect cultural hairstyles, especially since Texas is among the 24 states enforcing the CROWN Act.

Despite the legal setbacks, George and his mother remain committed to challenging the school district. They have filed a new request asking a federal judge to issue a temporary restraining order that would allow George to return to BHISD without further punishment for his locs. A hearing is scheduled for October 3rd in Galveston, where Judge Brown will determine the next steps in this ongoing legal battle.