It seems more trouble is coming Darryl George’s way.
You might have read about this 18-year student in Texas, being suspended at the end of August, and suffering over a month-long in-school suspension because of his dreadlocks? Well, now George has been advised that he will be removed from Barbers Hill High School and sent to a “disciplinary alternative education program.” on Thursday.
The principal of Barbers wrote that that by wearing his hair how he does, George is willfully bucking “previously communicated standards of student conduct.” It seems though that despite where he is to be sent off to now, George will be allowed to return to his regular classroom learning instruction on Nov. 30. He will also not be allowed to return to his high school’s campus until that date, unless he’s there to discuss his conduct with the powers that be.
George’s school indeed prohibits male students from wearing their hair long or in what they term a “unnatural color or variation.” Despite this standard, George’s family filed a formal complaint last month claiming that their son’s suspension and his being disciplined from it, violate the state’s CROWN ACT, which took effect on 9/1.
The CROWN ACT was created to prohibit race-based hair discrimination.
Much ado about nothing, as far as the school worrying so much about this young man’s dreads or a deeper fight for freedom and expression? It’s anybody’s guess. But it sure seems worrying about the length of a student’s hair might fall well below the radar to most recent events.
Of course, at our Northern New Jersey hair salon we champion anyone’s right to wear their wear (whether they are wearing their actual hair or not) any which way they chose, no matter who they are…as we have made clear here many times. Surely, the Guci Image customer would never want to be told (nor would listen) if anyone suggested they not wear the hair they are presently wearing.
We hope the young Mr. George does not let what is happening to him presently color his worldview of the freedoms that are indeed out there for all of us.
