By Char Adams—
NBC News
A judge ruled Thursday that a Texas high school is not violating the state's CROWN law by punishing a black teenage student for the length of his dreadlocked hairstyle.
District Judge Chap Cain III (who is white) concluded that the Barbers Hill School District's dress and grooming code does not violate a state rule prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race in work, school and housing.
In his opinion, the school code "does not prohibit or discriminate against male students who wear braids, curls or
twists
."
The decision was met with sighs and lamentations by many of those present in court, among whom were defenders of the student, Darryl George, and of natural hair.
Candice Matthews, a spokesperson for the family, told reporters after the trial that George came out with tears in his eyes and regretted the ruling.
Darryl George, in front of Barbers Hill School in September 2023 in Mont Belvieu, Texas.Michael Wyke / AP file
“All because of my hair?” the student said, according to Matthews.
“I can't receive my education because of my hair.
"I can't be with my classmates and enjoy my penultimate year because of my hair," added the 18-year-old.
Matthews assured that the family has promised “not to give up and will continue to fight.”