In a recent development, a judge in Anahuac, Texas, has ordered a trial to determine whether a Black high school student can continue to be punished by his school district for refusing to change his hairstyle. Darryl George, an 18-year-old student at Barbers Hill High School in Mont Belvieu, has been absent from his regular classroom since August 31st due to his hairstyle, which he and his family argue is protected by a new state law.

Barbers Hill School District maintains that George's long hair, styled in neatly tied and twisted locs, violates the district's dress code restrictions on hair length for boys. However, George and his family contend that the new state law, known as the CROWN Act, prohibits race-based hair discrimination and protects hairstyles including Afros, braids, locs, twists or Bantu knots.

Since August, George has either been serving in-school suspension or attending an off-site disciplinary program. The district claims that other students with locs comply with the hair length policy, but George and his family believe he has been unfairly targeted.

In a hearing held in Anahuac, State District Judge Chap Cain III scheduled a trial for February 22nd to address the lawsuit filed by the school district challenging the CROWN Act's impact on their dress code restrictions. The legislation, which went into effect in September, explicitly prohibits employers and schools from penalizing individuals based on hair texture or protective hairstyles.

Although George expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to have his case heard in court, his mother, Darresha George, voiced her disappointment in the judge's decision not to grant a temporary restraining order. This order would have prevented George from facing further punishment until the trial next month.

Darresha George emphasized her son's desire to receive an education and questioned why he was being subjected to such treatment. In an affidavit filed in support of the temporary restraining order, Darryl George expressed his love for his hair, describing it as sacred and a symbol of his strength. He expressed his simple wish to attend school and be a model student, expressing frustration at being harassed and treated poorly by school officials.

Barbers Hill Superintendent Greg Poole published a paid advertisement in the Houston Chronicle defending the district's dress code policy. Poole argued that traditional dress codes create safer environments and lead to higher academic performance. He further stated that "being an American requires conformity."

As the trial approaches, the outcome will have significant implications not only for Darryl George but also for the interpretation and application of the CROWN Act in Texas schools.