Texas Lawmakers Push for Strict School Policies

In Texas, a new bill is on its way to the governor's office, aiming to significantly change how schools handle LGBTQ topics and diversity efforts. The bill, known as Senate Bill 12, wants to stop schools from having clubs that focus on sexual orientation or gender identity. It also wants to ban any teaching or programs that recognize these topics. This bill is part of a bigger trend where some lawmakers are trying to bring more conservative views and religious ideas into public schools. For example, they've also proposed displaying the Ten Commandments in classrooms and encouraging more prayer in schools. The bill passed after a heated debate that lasted nearly two hours. Democrats strongly opposed it, but Republicans supported it along party lines. The final vote in the House was 77-40, and the Senate also approved it. One Democrat, Rep. Erin Zweiner, compared the bill to Florida's "Don't Say Gay" law, calling it an extreme version. She and other Democrats criticized the bill's sponsor, Rep. Jeff Leach, for referring to LGBTQ clubs as "sex clubs, " a term he later apologized for using. Rep. Rafael Anchía shared a personal story about his daughter's positive experience in a school club focused on sexual orientation. He questioned why lawmakers would be against such clubs, which he saw as beneficial for students. The bill also targets diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs in schools. It would stop schools from having DEI hiring practices, requiring diversity statements, or disciplining employees who violate these rules. Republicans argue that the bill is about giving parents more control over their child's education. It would require parental permission for students to join clubs or receive sexual education. Parents would also have access to their child's curriculum, library records, and health screenings. The bill goes further by prohibiting schools from supporting transgender students in their social transitions. Teachers would not be allowed to use new names or pronouns for students, and staff would be banned from providing information about gender transitioning. If schools or staff break these rules, they could face reports to the Texas Education Agency and formal complaints from parents. This bill is part of a broader effort to reshape education policies in Texas, with significant implications for students, teachers, and parents. It raises important questions about the role of schools in supporting diverse student populations and the balance between parental rights and inclusive education.