In July 2024, the American Civil Liberties Union of Texas sent a letter to 51 Texas school districts, arguing that they appear to be violating the CROWN Act, a Texas law. The Creating a Respectful World for Natural Hair (CROWN) Act prohibits schools, workplaces, and housing authorities from discriminating against students with hair textures or styles associated with race, like braids, cornrows, or locs. While seemingly minor, this Act and related federal law are vital to protecting many students. For these students, simply existing with racial or ethnic hairstyles can lead to discipline and even suspension from school.

If you or your student faces hairstyle discrimination or discipline based on race, gender identity, or other status, the Lento Law Firm is here to help. The Lento Law Firm Student Defense Team is committed to assisting students in asserting their rights to self-expression, free from discrimination or discipline. We believe no student should face discipline for wearing a natural hairstyle or a style in line with their gender identity. Call 888.535.3686 or provide your details online, and we will promptly reach out to you.

ACLU Report on Texas School Dress Codes

In some states, racial or ethnic discrimination takes the form of not allowing students to wear their hair in particular hairstyles. The Texas ACLU published its 2024 dress code report, reviewing the dress codes of nearly every school district in the state. Dressed To Express: How Dress Codes Discriminate Against Texas Students and Must Be Changed,” found that most school districts failed to comply with the Texas law, and many had dress codes that targeted students based on race, gender, LGBTQ+ status, religion, or disability.

Title VI Discrimination

Federal law protects students from racial or ethnic discrimination. Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits discrimination based on race, color, or national origin by any entity receiving federal funding, including all public schools. Title VI would prohibit a school from disciplining a student for wearing particular hairstyles associated with racial identity and other expressions of racial or national origin identity. So, behaviors by school districts in the Texas ACLU Report may violate both federal and Texas law.

LGBTQ+ Discrimination

Hairstyle discrimination may also take the form of policing the appearance of students expressing gender identity or sexual orientation. For example, if a district sets a maximum length of hair for male students, a transgender female student may be found in violation. LGBTQ+ students are protected against discrimination by Title IX, a federal law prohibiting discrimination based on sex, gender identity, or sexual orientation. Additionally, many states provide state law protections to LGBTQ+ students.

How the Lento Law Firm Can Help

If you or your child is facing hairstyle discrimination based on race or other self-expression issues associated with LGBTQ+ status, you are likely pretty angry. This is particularly true if your student is facing discipline or suspension. However, the Lento Law Firm is here to assist you in asserting your rights and defending your student. Call 888.535.3686 or provide your details online, and we will contact you. No student should be penalized for core identity issues of this type.