In a ongoing dispute over his hairstyle that has garnered national attention, Darryl George, an 18-year-old Black student from Barbers Hill High School in Texas, found himself suspended once again for refusing to comply with the school's dress code policy. This recent suspension followed a 30-day stint at an alternative school due to prior infractions related to his hair.

According to Candice Matthews, a spokesperson for the George family, Darryl briefly attended regular classes on Tuesday morning but was then referred to in-school suspension by a school administrator. The school claimed his hair was in violation of the dress code when let down and specified that if Darryl corrected the violation, he would be allowed to return to his regular classes. The notice obtained by CNN stated that the suspension would last for 13 days.

This latest disciplinary action comes after months of back-and-forth between the school district and the George family over the interpretation of the dress code. Barbers Hill Independent School District's policy states that male students' hair cannot extend below the top of a t-shirt collar, the eyebrows, or the ear lobes when let down.

The George family argues that Darryl's hairstyle, which he wears in braids, is a compliant adaptation of the dress code. They claim that the district's policy violates the Texas CROWN Act, a law that prohibits discrimination based on hairstyles historically associated with race. In fact, the family filed a federal civil rights lawsuit in September against Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, the state's attorney general, and school officials for allegedly failing to enforce the state's CROWN Act law.

David Bloom, the spokesperson for Barbers Hill Independent School District, maintains that the disciplinary actions were taken after repeated violations of the dress code. He explained that until Darryl either cuts his hair or there is a court ruling in his favor, he will remain in in-school suspension. However, Bloom assured that the suspension would not impact Darryl's ability to graduate as a program is in place for him to complete his coursework.

Despite this reassurance, Darryl's mother expressed concerns that the suspensions and ongoing disciplinary actions would have a negative effect on her son's education. Texas state Rep. Ron Reynolds, a co-author of the state's CROWN Act law, voiced support for Darryl and stated his intention to propose changes to expand the law's protections, specifically addressing the issue of hair length.

As the controversy surrounding Darryl George's hairstyle continues, it sheds light on the ongoing debate regarding hairstyle policies and their potential discriminatory impact on marginalized communities. The case also highlights the need for further clarity and amendments to protective legislation like the CROWN Act to ensure equitable treatment for all students, regardless of their hairstyle choices.