Texas Black haur ruling: Closeup profile of Darryl George, a Black teenager with long Black locs worn tied up close to his head

Q&A: Texas court ruling on a Black student wearing hair in long locs reflects history of racism in schools

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What message has the court just sent?

The court decision in Texas – and the no-long-hair policy in the Barbers Hill Independent School District – might seem outdated, misinformed or at odds with best practices for culturally responsive education. But as I and other researchers have found, strict monitoring and other anti-Black practices – such as those regarding Black children’s hair, bodies, language, clothing and even their presence – are widespread in America’s schools.

What options do Black students have?
What should school leaders consider?

Black and brown students: Elementary school teacher who’s a man of color helping student of color in classroom

Opinion: Marginalized Youth Need Real Change in Schools, Courts, Other Systems

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I discovered my purpose when I was 21 years old, and the man I’d tackled during a pick-up football game shot me three times in my legs. He was upset that I’d tackled him so hard. It made me want, profoundly, to understand my fellow player’s extraordinary anger and, perhaps, that of other Black and brown kids whose life circumstances had pushed them down the wrong path ...

adolescent development: Man in glasses interviewing a teen and taking notes.

We Must Understand Promise of Adolescent Development to Serve Youth

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Nearly 25% of our population are teens and young adults in the most important developmental sprint of their lives. But rather than helping young people realize their great potential to become successful adults who contribute to our country’s future, too often we’re unwittingly cutting their progress off just before the finish line.