Darryl George, a Black high school student in Texas, faced punishment for most of his junior year over his hairstyle in the Barbers Hill school district. Despite wanting to return for his senior year, George left the district to avoid more in-school suspension. Now, he is seeking a temporary restraining order to allow him to return to school while his federal lawsuit proceeds.
U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Brown dismissed most of the claims in George’s lawsuit, but let the gender discrimination claim stand. The judge questioned the district’s hair length rule’s effectiveness. George, in an affidavit, asked Judge Brown for help in attending school like a normal student during the litigation.
The district, however, argued that Judge Brown lacks jurisdiction to issue the restraining order as George is no longer a student. They maintain that George did not suffer a constitutional injury and is not entitled to damages. The district’s defense of its dress code includes teaching grooming, discipline, respect, and safety.
George’s attorney, Allie Booker, stated that George was forced to switch schools due to significant emotional distress caused by the suspension. He wishes to return as his mother chose the area based on the school’s quality. George’s punishment, which kept him out of regular classes for most of his junior year, was due to his hair length violating the dress code.
George’s lawsuit also alleged a violation of the CROWN Act, a state law prohibiting hair-based discrimination, which was effective after his initial suspension. The district’s hair policy has faced challenges in the past, with one student returning to school after a federal judge granted an injunction. George’s case, seeking a restraining order to return to school, is pending in court.
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