Democratic lawmakers and LGBTQ+ supporters have strongly criticized Texas lawmakers for advancing legislation that would prohibit public K–12 schools from organizing student organizations based on sexual orientation or gender identity.
After passing its last test in the Texas House on Saturday, Senator Brandon Creighton’s Senate Bill 12 is now ready for the governor to sign it.
Although opponents claim the ban puts students in danger and deprives them of their dignity, the bill’s passing represents a major step forward in Texas’ ongoing fight against what conservatives refer to as ideological indoctrination in education.
Although opponents claim the ban puts students in danger and deprives them of their dignity, the bill’s passing represents a major step forward in Texas’ ongoing fight against what conservatives refer to as ideological indoctrination in education.
Senate Bill 12, sometimes known as the “Parental Bill of Rights,” not only outlaws LGBTQ+ school organizations but also grants parents more control over the clubs their kids can participate in.
Parents have a basic right to guide their child’s education and upbringing, including moral, religious, medical, and psychological decisions, the measure emphasizes.
Public schools are forbidden from “infringing” on those rights unless doing so is necessary to further a strong state interest.
The measure forbids teaching, programming, or activities pertaining to gender identity or sexual orientation in all pre-K–12 grades. Additionally, schools are prohibited from permitting outside organizations to provide such content.
Additionally, SB 12 expressly forbids school personnel from having any diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) responsibilities unless specifically required by state or federal law.
Hiring procedures, training initiatives, and any preferential treatment based on sexual orientation, gender identity, or race are all included in the broad definition of DEI.
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State Senator Brandon Creighton stated: “Passing the Texas Education Freedom Act sends a message to all of Texas. It tells the next generation of Texas leaders: your path should fit your purpose—your ambition is greater than any system. It tells our educators that innovation and excellence will be encouraged—not limited by ZIP code. And it tells every parent in Texas: you are trusted, you are respected, and you are in charge.”
“The future of Texas begins in the classroom. Too often, we get lost in the debates about systems and budgets and programs. Not today—today, we are focused on the child at the center of it all. The one who needs a hand up, a better fit, or simply a chance.”
The law has been approved by both houses and is awaiting Governor Greg Abbott’s signature.
Texas will join an increasing number of Republican-led states that have placed similar limits on school activities and teaching pertaining to LGBTQ+ identities if the laws are implemented, which would begin on September 1, 2025.
