Student with ‘dreadlocks’ who braids long hair, hair length regulation imposed
It’s discrimination against black culture VS it’s school policy… Opinions are divided
In Texas, USA, a trial will be held for a student who was disciplined for having dreadlocks.
The Associated Press, CNN, etc. reported on the 24th (local time) that Daryl George (18), a student at Barbers Hill High School in Montbelvue, Texas, was disciplined for violating the hair rule in August of last year and has not been able to go to school since. He had ‘dreadlock’ hair, which is characteristic of black people.
Afterwards, Daryl’s family filed a federal civil rights lawsuit against the school district and the governor of Texas. A hearing on this case was held in Texas federal court on the 24th, and Judge Chip Kane set the trial date for February 22nd.
Darryl’s defense team argued that this was a long-standing act of discrimination against black people and that his head should be protected under Texas’ Crown Act.
The ‘Crown Act’ is a bill that prohibits discrimination and punishment against someone for having hairstyles ‘based on racial characteristics’ such as ponytails, afros, and dreadlocks. Currently, 24 states in the United States are enacting Crown laws.
The district said Darryl’s discipline was due to the length of his dreadlocks, not his dreadlocks. This is because the actual hair length exceeds the regulation. At Barbers Hill High School, the hair is the shirt collar and eyebrows. Touching the earlobes is prohibited.
On the other hand, Daryl argued that it could not be considered a violation of the regulations because the hair was braided and fixed in a short manner. Additionally, it was reported that Daryl was hospitalized due to this incident due to symptoms of stress such as panic and anxiety, and suffered from sitting at a cubicle desk for eight hours during the disciplinary period.
The district told CNN that the discipline would remain in place “unless he cuts his hair or the court rules against the school.” Afterwards, they placed an advertisement in a local newspaper stating that their goal was to ‘comply with traditional regulations and achieve high academic achievement’ and that ‘conformity is necessary to become an American.’
The school said other students with the hair in question were complying with the length policy. However, similar problems reportedly occurred in 2020, with the district banning students with dreadlocks from going to school and attending graduation ceremonies.
According to a report by the Associated Press in September last year, hairstyles mean more than just fashion to black people. Traditionally, it was a means of communication to confirm affiliation or status, and during the era of slavery, it was used as a clue to safety and freedom. After the abolition of slavery, it faced occupational and social discrimination for not conforming to Western aesthetic standards and norms, and was considered a symbol of black culture.
Source: Donga
Mark Jones is a world traveler and journalist for News Rebeat. With a curious mind and a love of adventure, Mark brings a unique perspective to the latest global events and provides in-depth and thought-provoking coverage of the world at large.