In a continuing controversy over a dress code policy deemed discriminatory, a Texas high school has once again sent a Black student to in-school suspension for refusing to change his hairstyle. Darryl George, an 18-year-old student at Barbers Hill High School in Mont Belvieu, Texas, was suspended for 13 days on his first day back at the school after completing a month-long off-site disciplinary program.

The disciplinary notice issued by the school stated that George's hair was out of compliance when let down, thereby violating the district's dress code. This incident marks the latest development in a months-long standoff that began in August when George was initially pulled from the classroom for violating the dress code with his braided locs, which allegedly fell below his eyebrows and ear lobes.

George's family argues that his punishment violates the CROWN Act, a law enacted in Texas in September to prohibit race-based hair discrimination. However, the school administration maintains that the CROWN Act does not specifically address hair length, which is the basis for the school's dress code policy.

Barbers Hill Independent School District's dress code policies made headlines last year when another Black student was prohibited from returning to school or attending his graduation ceremony unless he cut his locs. Superintendent Greg Poole defended the policy, stating that it teaches students the value of conformity for the benefit of everyone.

According to the school officials, George was sent to the disciplinary program not only for the dress code violation but also for tardiness, disruption in the in-school suspension classroom, and non-compliance with school directives. As the punishment was completed, George was notified that he would have to remain in in-person suspension unless he trimmed his hair.

In response, George's family has taken action, filing a formal complaint with the Texas Education Agency, as well as a federal civil rights lawsuit against the school district, the governor, and the attorney general. They allege that these entities have failed to enforce the new law outlawing discrimination based on hairstyles.

In turn, the school district has filed a lawsuit in state district court seeking clarification on whether their dress code restrictions regarding hair length for boys violate the CROWN Act.

State Representative Ron Reynolds, chair of the Texas Legislative Black Caucus, plans to address this issue during the next legislative session. He intends to file an amendment to the law that explicitly addresses hair length, aiming to prevent schools from using it as a pretextual argument to avoid compliance with the CROWN Act.

George expressed frustration, feeling singled out as there are other boys in the school with longer hairstyles than his. The family's request for an exemption based on the cultural and religious significance of his hairstyle was denied.

This ongoing dispute shines a spotlight on the larger conversation surrounding discrimination based on hairstyles in educational institutions. Advocates argue that it is essential to create inclusive environments that respect diverse cultural and personal expressions while challenging policies they perceive as discriminatory.

As both sides stand their ground, it remains to be seen how this clash over the dress code and the CROWN Act will be resolved, highlighting the importance of addressing these issues and ensuring equal treatment for all students.