Does being an American requires conformity with the positive benefit of unity?

In a world that often equates uniformity with unity, the repeated suspension of a young Black student in Texas over his locs hairstyle sparks an essential conversation about identity, culture, and acceptance in America.

Superintendent Greg Poole took out a full-page newspaper ad in the Houston Chronicle with the support of a local education foundation, explained his rationale for suspending the student, from the Barbers Hill Independent School in Mont Belvieu, TX.

Greg Poole's statement, “Being an American requires conformity with the positive benefit of unity,” has brought to the fore a deeply ingrained issue: the misperception that to belong, one must conform.

This notion is not just inaccurate; it's harmful, (my initial phrasing was b.s.). Hair in the Black community is not merely about aesthetics; it's a rich tapestry of history, heritage, and self-expression. It's a cultural identity. When a student is suspended for their hairstyle, longer than some officers are removed from duty for egregious acts, such as in the killing of students Eligah Mclain, Mike Brown, Tamir Rice. it's clear that our priorities are misplaced.

The CROWN Act, which stands for Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural hair, is a beacon of change. It aims to ensure protection against discrimination based on hair texture and hairstyles. Yet, we're reminded that laws alone aren't enough when they clash with embedded cultural misconceptions.

Being a Spacemaker is about dismantling these misconceptions. It's about having the courage to call out injustices and the tenacity to keep pushing for change. It's about supporting our youth and defending their right to exist freely and authentically in all spaces, including schools.

This young man's suspension is not an isolated incident but a symptom of a larger issue that demands bold action. We must be the firefighters in a society that too often plays with the flames of injustice. Today, I am that firefighter, and just like a firefighter, I want all the smoke! Today, I am calling on all Spacemakers to stand up, to speak out, and to demand the change that is long overdue.

We must be united not in our appearance but in our humanity. Let's create spaces where diversity is not just seen but celebrated, where unity is measured not by conformity but by the freedom to be our authentic selves.

With continued, unwavering determination,

Jody McPhearson

Founder & Chief Spacemaker, Inclusive Spaces