This is a word, a podcast from Slate. I'm your host, Jason Johnson.

Many of us experimented with different hairstyles in our teens, but for some black students wearing a natural

hairstyle can actually get them punished in school or even expelled. Why and

what can we do about it? We just have to keep trucking along to better protect ourselves so that we

can feel comfortable wearing our hair without being dentalized. Can the Crown Act

protect black kids? Coming up on a word with me Jason Johnson stay with us. Welcome to a word, a podcast about race and politics and everything else.

I'm your host, Jason Johnson.

For decades, white businesses and institutions openly discriminated against black

people who chose to wear their hair in natural styles. That meant being

disqualified for work or promotions because natural black hair was deemed

unprofessional.

That's why 24 states passed a law to prohibit it, called the Crown Act.

Crown stands for creating a respectful and open world for natural hair.

And Texas is one of the states that has passed a version of the law.

Which is part of why the case of Darrell George is so confusing and some would say infuriating.

For months the teenager and his family

have fought the Barbers Hill Independent School District

outside of Houston, which suspended

and then ultimately expel George for his natural hairstyle and his mother

Doresha George says it's taking a toll on his mental health.

He can't sleep at night. Every day he dreads going to school. He dreads. He cries. Every night I have to look

in my son's eyes and give him words of encouragement just to even get him to go to sleep.

...