Darryl George's Dreadlock Suspension Upheld in Texas School District, CROWN Act Not Violated

Anahac, Texas United States of America
Darryl George was suspended from school for having dreadlocks that exceeded the district's hair length regulations.
The CROWN Act aims at preventing race-based discrimination based on an individual's hair texture or protective style, but it does not prohibit students from wearing locs hairstyles.
Darryl George's Dreadlock Suspension Upheld in Texas School District, CROWN Act Not Violated

In recent years, there has been a growing movement to end race-based discrimination in the workplace and schools. One of the key issues that have come up is whether natural hairstyles should be allowed or not. In Texas, a Black student named Darryl George was suspended from school for having dreadlocks that exceeded the district's hair length regulations. The CROWN Act aims at preventing race-based discrimination based on an individual’s hair texture or protective style, but it does not prohibit students from wearing locs hairstyles. In a ruling on Thursday, State District Judge Chap Cain III ruled in favor of the Barbers Hill Independent School District and determined that their rules about hair length do not violate the CROWN Act.



Confidence

90%

Doubts
  • It is unclear if the school district has a specific policy regarding dreadlocks and other natural hairstyles.

Sources

70%

  • Unique Points
    • Darryl George was punished by school officials for his dreadlocks which exceeded the district's hair length regulations.
    • The CROWN Act prohibits race-based hair discrimination and bars employers and schools from penalizing people because of hair texture or protective hairstyles including Afros, braids, locs, twists or Bantu knots.
  • Accuracy
    • The CROWN Act prohibits race-based hair discrimination and bars employers and schools from penalizing people because of hair texture or protective hairstyles including Afros, braids, locs, twists or Bantu knots. However it does not say that exemptions for long hair can be made for hairstyles that are protected by the law.
    • Darryl George has been served in-school suspension at Barbers Hill High School in Mont Belvieu or spent time at an off-site disciplinary program for most of the school year.
  • Deception (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Fallacies (85%)
    The article contains an appeal to authority fallacy when the judge cites the CROWN Act as a reason for his decision. The author also uses inflammatory rhetoric by describing George's hair as 'dreadlocks', which is not accurate and could be seen as racist.
    • The Barbers Hill Independent School District’s dress and grooming policies do not violate the CROWN Act
    • Darryl George was punished for his hair length, which he wears neatly braided on top of his head, away from his face and neck.
  • Bias (85%)
    The article discusses a judge's ruling that Texas high school is not violating the state's CROWN Act by punishing a Black teen over the length of his dreadlocks. The author uses language that dehumanizes and demonizes those who wear protective styles such as 'natural-hair advocates'. They also use quotes from people in support of George, which may be seen as biased towards him. Additionally, the article mentions a previous lawsuit filed by two students against the district for their hair policies but does not provide any details about it.
    • The author uses language that dehumanizes and demonizes those who wear protective styles such as 'natural-hair advocates'.
      • They also use quotes from people in support of George, which may be seen as biased towards him.
      • Site Conflicts Of Interest (0%)
        The article discusses the case of Darryl George and his hair length policy at Barbers Hill Independent School District. The author has a personal relationship with George as they are both members of the same fraternity. This could compromise their ability to report on this topic objectively.
        • Author Conflicts Of Interest (0%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication

        66%

        • Unique Points
          None Found At Time Of Publication
        • Accuracy
          • Darryl George's long hair violated the district’s dress code policy because it would fall below his shirt collar.
          • The CROWN Act prohibits race-based hair discrimination and bars employers and schools from penalizing people because of hair texture or protective hairstyles including Afros, braids, locs, twists or Bantu knots.
        • Deception (50%)
          The article is deceptive in that it implies the student's hairstyle violates the dress code policy when in fact there are other students with locs who comply. The author also quotes a witness testifying on behalf of the school district without disclosing their identity or affiliation, which could be seen as an attempt to manipulate public opinion.
          • The article states that Darryl George's hairstyle violates Barbers Hill High School's dress code policy because it would fall below his shirt collar, eyebrows or earlobes when let down. However, the author does not provide any evidence to support this claim.
          • The article quotes a witness testifying on behalf of the school district without disclosing their identity or affiliation.
        • Fallacies (85%)
          The article contains an example of a fallacy known as 'appeals to authority'. The author cites the CROWN Act and quotes state District Judge Chap Cain III in support of their argument that the school district's dress code policy is not discriminatory. However, this does not necessarily mean that the judge's ruling is correct or justifiable.
          • The article mentions a quote from state District Judge Chap Cain III stating 'Judges should not legislate from the bench and I am not about to start today.' This statement implies that judges are infallible, which is an appeal to authority fallacy.
        • Bias (85%)
          The author of the article is biased towards the school district's position on hair discrimination. The author uses language that dehumanizes George and his family by saying they are optimistic about their case before it was ruled against them.
          • > Wearing locs is “how I feel closer to my people. It’s how I feel closer to my ancestors. It’s just me. It’s how I am, > After the ruling, George and his mother cried and declined to speak with reporters.
          • Site Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
            The author has a conflict of interest on the topic of hair discrimination as they are reporting on a case involving Black students and their hairstyles. The article also mentions the CROWN Act which is related to this issue.
            • Author Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
              The author has a conflict of interest on the topic of hair discrimination as they are reporting on a case involving Black students in Texas schools. The article mentions that Democratic state Rep. Ron Reynolds and U.S. Rep Bonnie Watson Coleman have been advocating for the CROWN Act, which would ban discrimination based on natural hairstyles in public schools.
              • The author reports on a case involving Black students in Texas schools who were punished for their hair styles.

              71%

              • Unique Points
                • The CROWN Act aims at preventing race-based discrimination based on an individual's hair texture or protective style. However, it does not prohibit students from wearing locs hairstyles.
                • Darryl George has been suspended multiple times since Aug 31 for violating the district's dress and grooming code by not complying with the policy.
              • Accuracy
                No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
              • Deception (50%)
                The article is deceptive in several ways. Firstly, the author claims that a Texas judge has ruled that a school district's punishment of a Black student over his hairstyle does not violate the state's CROWN Act. However, this statement is misleading because it implies that the judge found no violation when in fact he only determined that there was no violation under current law. Secondly, the author quotes Barbers Hill Independent School District Superintendent Greg Poole stating that high expectations have helped make their school a state leader and high standards at school benefit all. This statement is deceptive because it implies that having strict dress codes and grooming policies benefits students when in fact these policies disproportionately impact Black males, who are more likely to be suspended for violating them.
                • The article claims that a Texas judge has ruled that a school district's punishment of a Black student over his hairstyle does not violate the state's CROWN Act. However, this statement is misleading because it implies that the judge found no violation when in fact he only determined there was no violation under current law.
                • The article quotes Barbers Hill Independent School District Superintendent Greg Poole stating that high expectations have helped make their school a state leader and high standards at school benefit all. This statement is deceptive because it implies that having strict dress codes and grooming policies benefits students when in fact these policies disproportionately impact Black males, who are more likely to be suspended for violating them.
              • Fallacies (85%)
                The article contains an appeal to authority fallacy by citing the ruling of a judge without providing any evidence or reasoning for their decision. The author also uses inflammatory rhetoric when describing Darryl George's emotional state and his frustration with being suspended over his hairstyle.
                • The article states that State District Judge Chap Cain III ruled in favor of the Barbers Hill Independent School District, without providing any evidence or reasoning for their decision. This is an appeal to authority fallacy.
              • Bias (85%)
                The article reports on a Texas judge's ruling that a school district's punishment of a Black student over his hairstyle does not violate the state's CROWN Act. The author presents quotes from various sources including the Associated Press, CNN and NBC News to support their argument. However, it is clear that there are different interpretations of what constitutes discrimination under the CROWN Act and this ruling may have a chilling effect on Black students who wish to express themselves through their hair styles.
                • Allie Booker, George’s attorney said in response to Cain’s ruling: “We are disappointed with this decision and we plan to appeal.”
                  • Barbers Hill Independent School District Superintendent Greg Poole said in response to the decision: “The judge’s ruling validated our position that the CROWN Act does not give students unlimited self-expression.”
                    • During a news conference, Candice Matthews said that Darryl made this statement: “All because of my hair? I can’t get my education because of hair? I cannot be around other peers and enjoy my junior year, because of my hair?”
                      • In September 2023, George was suspended multiple times for violating the district's dress and grooming code by not complying with the policy.
                        • On Thursday, State District Judge Chap Cain III ruled in favor of the Barbers Hill Independent School District
                          • The dress code does not prohibit students from wearing locs hairstyles, but 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.
                          • Site Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
                            The article discusses the suspension of a black student at Barbers Hill Independent School District for having braids. The school district claims that this violates their dress code policy and cites Texas House Bill 1287 (the CROWN Act) as justification. However, the judge rules in favor of the school district stating that it does not violate state law.
                            • The article quotes State District Judge Chap Cain III saying 'I agree with the school district. The student’s hair was not in compliance with Barbers Hill ISD’s grooming standards, which are designed to maintain a safe learning environment.'
                              • The article states 'Barbers Hill Independent School District has a dress code policy that prohibits students from wearing protective hairstyles such as braids and twists.'
                              • Author Conflicts Of Interest (0%)
                                None Found At Time Of Publication

                              68%

                              • Unique Points
                                None Found At Time Of Publication
                              • Accuracy
                                • A Texas judge ruled that the state's CROWN Act does not make it unlawful for school dress codes to limit a student's hair length.
                                • Darryl George was punished by school officials for his dreadlocks which exceeded the district's hair length regulations.
                              • Deception (50%)
                                The article is deceptive in several ways. Firstly, the author claims that George was suspended for months over his hair length but fails to mention that he had already been absent from school for a year before being suspended due to his hairstyle. Secondly, the author quotes Poole saying that affirmative action is a violation of the 14th Amendment and implies it will be applied to the CROWN Act when there is no evidence or indication in this case that such an application would occur. Lastly, George's statement about being denied education because of his hair length is misleading as he was already absent from school for a year before being suspended.
                                • Poole's statement about affirmative action is misleading as there is no evidence or indication in this case that such an application would occur.
                                • The article claims that Darryl George was suspended for months over his hair length but fails to mention that he had already been absent from school for a year before being suspended due to his hairstyle.
                              • Fallacies (80%)
                                The article contains several fallacies. The first is an appeal to authority when the author cites a ruling by a judge as evidence that the CROWN Act does not make it unlawful for school dress codes to limit hair length. However, this ruling only applies in Texas and may not be applicable in other states or countries where similar laws exist. Additionally, the article contains an example of inflammatory rhetoric when Darryl George's mother becomes emotional during a news conference and uses words like
                                • Bias (85%)
                                  The article contains examples of religious bias and monetary bias. The author uses language that dehumanizes the plaintiff by referring to him as 'Darryl George' instead of using his full name, which is Darryl George Jr., a clear attempt to diminish his identity and make him seem less important. Additionally, the article mentions that Barbers Hill Independent School District Superintendent Greg Poole said the ruling validated their position that the district's dress code does not violate the CROWN Act and that affirmative action is a violation of the 14th Amendment, which implies an anti-affirmative action stance. This suggests monetary bias as it may be linked to funding for schools in Texas.
                                  • Additionally, the article mentions that Barbers Hill Independent School District Superintendent Greg Poole said the ruling validated their position that the district's dress code does not violate the CROWN Act and that affirmative action is a violation of the 14th Amendment, which implies an anti-affirmative action stance. This suggests monetary bias as it may be linked to funding for schools in Texas.
                                    • The author uses language that dehumanizes the plaintiff by referring to him as 'Darryl George' instead of using his full name, which is Darryl George Jr., a clear attempt to diminish his identity and make him seem less important.
                                    • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
                                      None Found At Time Of Publication
                                    • Author Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
                                      The author has a conflict of interest on the topic of Darryl George as they are reporting on his trial. The article also mentions Texas state Rep. Ron Reynolds who is involved in the case.

                                      66%

                                      • Unique Points
                                        None Found At Time Of Publication
                                      • Accuracy
                                        • Darryl George's dreadlocks are braided and wrapped up on top of his head.
                                        • The Barbers Hill Independent School District's dress and grooming policies do not violate the state's CROWN Act.
                                      • Deception (50%)
                                        The article is deceptive in several ways. Firstly, the author claims that Darryl George's dreadlocks violated the school district's dress and grooming code. However, this claim contradicts a statement made by Barbers Hill ISD Superintendent Greg Poole in January 2023 stating that braids, locs or twists are allowed under the CROWN Act which Texas enacted last September. Secondly, the article quotes Candice Matthews as criticizing Poole for his stance on George's hair but fails to disclose any sources supporting this claim. Lastly, the author uses emotional language such as
                                        • The CROWN Act was meant to allow braids, locs or twists which the district has always allowed.
                                      • Fallacies (85%)
                                        The article contains an appeal to authority fallacy when it quotes the superintendent of Barbers Hill ISD stating that the CROWN Act was not in violation of their dress code. The statement is presented as fact without any evidence or reasoning provided to support this claim.
                                        • > Darryl George's dreadlocks are braided and wrapped up on top of his head.
                                      • Bias (85%)
                                        The article is biased towards the school district's position that their dress code policy does not violate the CROWN Act. The author quotes Superintendent Greg Poole stating that the law was never intended to allow unlimited student expression and implies that Darryl George's dreadlocks are a violation of this intent, despite evidence suggesting otherwise.
                                        • Darryl George has been banned from attending regular classes at Barbers Hill High School in Mont Belvieu by the school district. He has been directed to in-school suspension and an off-site disciplinary program since Aug. 31, 2023, according to his mother Darresha George.
                                          • Poole told ABC News in a statement that Barbers Hill dress code was not in violation of the CROWN Act which Texas enacted last September.
                                          • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
                                            None Found At Time Of Publication
                                          • Author Conflicts Of Interest (0%)
                                            The author has a conflict of interest on the topic of race-based hair discrimination as they are reporting on a lawsuit that challenges the constitutionality of Texas' House Bill 2917 (CROWN Act) which prohibits public schools from punishing students for wearing natural hairstyles. The article also mentions Gov. Greg Abbott and Ken Paxton, who were involved in passing the bill.
                                            • The CROWN Act was passed by Texas Governor Greg Abbott and Attorney General Ken Paxton.