Texas Student Challenges Suspension Over Hairstyle

Darryl George, an 18-year-old Black student, has left the Barbers Hill school district in Texas to avoid further in-school suspension over his hairstyle, which led to nearly a year of punishment. George desires to return for his senior year and has filed for a temporary restraining order to prevent further disciplinary actions while his federal lawsuit, alleging racial and gender discrimination, is underway. A federal judge has dismissed most claims but allowed a gender discrimination claim to proceed, questioning the impact of the district's hair length policy. The school district argues that George's withdrawal from the school diminishes the judge's jurisdiction for the restraining order, although they maintain he can seek past damages. Meanwhile, George's attorney argues that the actions of the school officials caused him significant emotional distress, ultimately forcing him to leave. A hearing on the matter is scheduled for October 3 in Galveston.