'Playing race card': Internet divided as judge rules school’s punishment of Black student suspended over hairstyle does not violate law

HOUSTON, TEXAS: A Texas judge's recent ruling that a school's punishment of a Black student over his hairstyle did not violate the state's CROWN Act has sparked heated debate online.

The case involves Houston-area high school student Darryl George, who has been suspended multiple times for wearing locs that his school deemed a violation of its policy on hair length for boys, as per PEOPLE.

While the judge determined the suspensions abided by the law, reactions on social media reflected strong reactions on both sides. The divisive ruling and online discourse highlight the complex social and legal conflicts around grooming policies in schools, particularly regarding hairstyles associated with racial or cultural identity.

State District Judge ruled school's rules don't target hairstyles associated with race

The school's code states that "a boy's hair will not extend below the eyebrows, below the ear lobes, or below the top of a t-shirt collar." While the policy does not outright ban locs hairstyles, George's shoulder-length locs have led to repeated suspensions.

George's family filed a lawsuit in September 2023 alleging his suspension was unlawful under the CROWN (Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair) Act, a new Texas law aimed at preventing race-based hair discrimination.

On Friday, February 23, State District Judge Chap Cain III ruled in favor of the Barbers Hill Independent School District, determining that the discipline against George did not violate the CROWN Act. The judge said the school's rules on hair length do not specifically target protective hairstyles associated with race.

Allie Booker, attorney for the George family, said they plan to appeal. She argues the "so-called neutral grooming policy" disproportionately impacts Black males as hairstyles like locs require more length.

The district counters that its policy allows protective styles, just not hair past dress code length specifications. Superintendent Greg Poole said the ruling "validated" this position, adding that high standards at school benefit all students.

Internet divided over controversial ruling by Texas judge

As news of the controversial ruling spread, the online community displayed a spectrum of reactions, reflecting the divisive nature of the case. One X user commented, "Anti thugness!!! Fixed it for you!" While another user raised a broader perspective, stating, "I'm pretty sure it applies to white people too."

A third user delved into the specifics of school policies, remarking, "Certain schools have dress codes and grooming codes. No beard or long hair etc. His locks aren't religious or traditional. Just playing the race card with his ridiculous hair."

In contrast, someone defended the cultural significance of locs, saying, "I wouldn’t care what they said. Locs are spiritual. They fear our strength." Expressing dissatisfaction with the situation in Texas, a fifth user urged, "Take your children somewhere they are respected. Texas is disgraceful."

Meanwhile, a sixth user framed the issue in a broader context, declaring, "The war on Black people continues."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.