A Texas school district has ended its hair policy that previously required boys to have short hair. The school board for Magnolia ISD in the greater Houston area voted to reverse the policy Monday night.
At the start of the school year, Magnolia ISD suspended several students for having long hair, barring them from attending regular classes and extracurricular activities. Three were later expelled.
In October, the ACLU of Texas joined others in filing a federal lawsuit challenging the policy on behalf of six boys and one non-binary student. The lawsuit included those who were expelled and suspended.
The U.S. Court for the Southern District of Texas later blocked Magnolia ISD’s hair policy from being enforced, stating that it was likely unconstitutional.
The school district later reached a settlement agreement with all involved, allowing those expelled and suspended to be able to return to school without fear of being punished for their long hair. Their disciplinary records related to the hair policy were also expunged, and Magnolia ISD agreed to make its dress code gender-neutral.