Texas Businesses Move to Ban 'The Edgar' Haircut

A haircut known as "The Edgar" has come under fire in Texas, with some businesses planning to ban the style, sparking debate. The bowl cut is particularly popular among Mexican-American men, but has recently been associated with criminal activity following an April shooting in San Antonio.

"'The Edgar' Haircut:

Recently, a shooting in San Antonio involved a man with this haircut, bringing negative attention to the style."

On Instagram, El Camino food truck owner Ricky Ortiz posted an image of a young Hispanic man with the haircut, with a red line drawn through it, captioned "No Edgars." Some called out Ortiz for racism, with user @allsold0ut commenting:

"Imagine discriminating against your customers. Lol, you live in 'Edgar' city. This is a new form of racism."

Ortiz defended his post as a joke, but stood by his belief that young Hispanic men with this haircut are associated with gang culture:

"People accusing me of racism are speaking from a place of ignorance. They don't want to acknowledge that the majority of kids with these haircuts want to be in a culture influenced by gangs."

The Legal Question:

The debate raises questions about the legality of banning a haircut. While Texas' CROWN Act prohibits discrimination based on hair textures and protective hairstyles in schools, workplaces, and housing, it does not explicitly mention business customer denial. The act aims to create a respectful world for natural hair, protecting Black men and women from racial discrimination.

"An employer...commits an unlawful practice with a dress or grooming policy that discriminates against a hair texture...associated with race."

• TEXAS LABOR CODE