Texas High School Faces Civil Rights Lawsuit Over Black Student’s Suspended Dreadlocks
A high school in Texas is facing a civil rights lawsuit after a Black student was suspended for wearing dreadlocks. The family of the student, who attends school outside Houston, has filed a federal civil rights suit against Texas state officials, including Governor Greg Abbott. This incident has sparked national attention and renewed discussions about race-based discrimination in schools.
The suspension occurred just three months after Governor Abbott signed the CROWN Act (Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair) into law. The act, which went into effect on September 1, prohibits race-based discrimination based on hairstyles at schools, workplaces, and in housing policies. It specifically protects hairstyles such as braids, locks, and twists. However, the student wears his hair in dreadlocks, making him the second Black student in the school district to be suspended over their hairstyle. Last year, another student named De’Andre Arnold faced a similar incident and ultimately switched schools.
The school’s policy regarding natural hair has been criticized by various individuals and organizations, including Texas state Senator Borris Miles. He described the suspension as a backdoor method to continue discriminating against students with natural hair. The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) also issued a resolution in 2020 stating that policies restricting or banning Black hairstyles constitute racial discrimination because of the historical association of natural hair with Black men and women.
While Texas has implemented the CROWN Act, which makes it illegal to punish students for dreadlocks, this case is testing the limits of the law. The civil rights lawsuit aims to challenge the school’s policy and seek justice for the student and his family. Currently, 24 states have implemented versions of the CROWN Act, signaling a growing recognition of the importance of eliminating race-based discrimination in schools and other settings.
As this case unfolds, it highlights the ongoing need to address racial biases and discriminatory policies that disproportionately impact Black individuals. The outcome of this lawsuit could have broader implications not only for the students involved but also for schools across the country. It is imperative to create inclusive environments where individuals can express their cultural identities without fear of discrimination.
The issue of natural hair discrimination has gained significant attention in recent years, prompting legislative changes and increased awareness. Efforts to challenge discriminatory policies and educate communities about the importance of embracing diversity and cultural expression continue to shape the conversation. It is crucial for schools to prioritize creating inclusive environments that allow students to be proud of their identities, including their natural hair.
In conclusion, the civil rights lawsuit filed against a Texas high school over the suspension of a Black student’s dreadlocks highlights the ongoing struggle against racial discrimination. The case represents a challenge to the school’s policy and seeks justice for the student and his family. It also sheds light on the importance of eliminating race-based discrimination in schools, workplaces, and housing policies. As more states implement versions of the CROWN Act, progress is being made, but there is still work to be done to ensure equality and inclusivity for all.
