TEXAS IS GETTING FUCKED MORE THAN EVER
I just out of a meeting recently that covered the need to know about the current 100+ new laws out of 1,000 that got passed. We didn't get the entire information about every law but a brief summary of the ones that we had to know immediately.
I have the need to warn new and returning students and other faculty who's district isn't so nice to go into enough detail because I know for a fact this will be briefly glanced over. I'm still learning as the days go by because it's still being gathered before any information is released to us.
There's 3 that stood out to me the most right now. If you're a student or staff member that works in a district that often fucks you over, please listen.
"CELL PHONE BAN"
The state of Texas is banning cell phone usage including
Phones (smart phones, flip phones, teleophone)
Tablet
Smartwatches
Radio device
Paging device
Headphones/Earbuds
Any other electronic device capable of communication
Why is this a concern to me? Schools discourage cell phone usage all the time!
If you are a student and your personal device is on and out in the open and any staff sees it, they are legally required to confiscate it. They will ask TWICE and if you refuse and walk away, we are being told to check the time and wave at a nearby camera and report it. From there students will be literally hunted down just for your device. If we do not, then we are breaking the law. They never specified where they will keep the device but I assume the front office where your legal guardian will have pick it up.
I hate this one for so many reasons. It hurts both educators and students. Sometimes that device is the reason our students can get home. I used to be in charge of buses and waited no matter how long it took for every kid to get picked up. One time little kid pulled out a tablet out of their backpack to contact their parents because it was pouring and it was later than I ever waited. I couldn't have imagined how scared that child would have been if they didn't have that communication.
Sometimes people just don't have nice parents or have the time or ability to go pick up a phone. I know my parents couldn’t with everything they were juggling. Staff are exhausted and will not wait for parents. They leave the moment that clock strikes because they have lives outside of their jobs, everyone does.
This law inconveniences everyone involved.
"SOCIAL TRANSITIONING"
If you are a student and are in the current process of transitioning and I mean this in the nicest way possible and that'll keep you safe, please keep it to yourself. I want you to find yourself and be comfortable in your skin but you're putting both of us at risk.
I quote, “Prohibiting an employee from assisting a student with social transitioning” Meaning we can’t legally call you anything else other than the “name, pronouns or other expressions of gender that deny or encourage a denial of their bio sex at birth.”
We can’t ask a student their pronouns or preferred gender or call a student a different gendered name or pronoun without written parental permissions. We are encouraged to call parents if we are in doubt. We are breaking the law and will be reported to the board if we’re even suspected of violation this policy.
This terrifies me as a queer individual and an educator.
We don't know your home life and if you open up to us about your identity and now we have to report to your home? What's going to happen to you? This law makes us put you in danger.
I don't want to subject anyone to potential abuse (which we have 24 hours instead of 48 to report if we even suspect it or we get in major trouble if not reported within that time) because a student connected and confided in us. I want you to be safe and free to express yourself, it makes me happy to see that stuff!
But all of us are going to be in deep trouble if we don’t abide by it.
"TEN COMMANDMENTS DISPLAY - IF DONATED"
If the community donates it, then public elementary and secondary school must display a 16' wide and 20' tall poster where it is visible anywhere in the classroom. It must be the king's james version and in the exact text provided by the board.
They're now bringing religion into education and controlling how it's perceived. I personally think this violates the freedom of religion in public school districts. I grew up going to a public school district where religion couldn't wiggle itself into a discussion. It's not supposed to. I have no problem with religion but everyone has the right to the same and equal education uninfluenced by it.
If this tiny bit is allowed then it's just the mere beginning. This is how it's going to wiggle itself in. Even the religious people I know in the district are baffled how this will be allowed but ONLY IF it is donated.
The board has also allowed you to keep the ability to pray and practice religion on your own time. I think this would be overstepping if they even took this away. I'm not religious in the slightest but this keeps religion diversity outside of christianity and catholicism alive and who's religion requires to pray certain times of the day. Another honorable mention I also believe is important! They've broaden the definition of what is considered to break the law. Meaning if little kindergartner pushed another on accident then it is considered assault and are required to report to the legal guardian.
I think this is fucking ridiculous but it could get you in real trouble if you are an older student, especially high school. Be careful this school year.
I want to mention that a good majority of us in that meeting hates what's happening. I was surrounded by outraged cries every time a new one was presented. I'm not mad at the district, I'm mad at the law and the state. By the people who has never once set foot in a learning environment and yet has made our jobs harder than ever. (not to mention what i call the book ban)
We could face jail time or large fines if we do not comply or feign ignorance. If others even think that we're breaking the law, we will be investigated. It feels like they're making us turn against each other in a space where collaboration and trust is so crucial to allow everyone to succeed. We've been warned.
The board are claiming to give power and rights back to the parents/guardians but who's really benefiting?
I want everyone to be safe and be aware of what's happening. I don't know if we will be given a chance to reverse the damage and push back but I hope soon. Take care y'all.
Hi do you have sources and stuff for the second one? As a trans student id like to look into it more, thanks!
Hey, of course! I still have photos of the slides from my meeting. I apologize that one is blurry. It says, "A parent may report to the board a suspected violation of the policy. The board shall investigate any suspected violation and determine whether the violation occurred. If the board determines that an employee assisted a student with social transitioning, the board shall immediately report the violation to the commissioner." In the left-hand corner above, you can see which this section falls into, which is Section SB 12. There should be more information online, but this was presented as what we should do and say if we face this. I highly encourage people to look more into this.
All of this means by that any educator in Texas can not recognize the identity you've chosen for yourself. I'm sorry this is happening, and I wish Texas didn't suck and make safe places harder to find.
If you are trans and want to be called by anything else, then you'll unfortunately need written consent from parents and hand over to your school. I don't like it personally. Because again, what if you're struggling at home and now we're being told to make it harder for you?
I have no idea whether or not they'll tell you anything as students or go into detail about this law. I really hope they do so more trans folk can be aware and stay safe. I don't know whether or not other states have implemented this either. All I know is going on in Texas.
I also need to clarify on the other thing I mentioned.
Yes, it is easier to break the law. They've broadened the definition. They gave us an example that is now wrong now that more information was clarified. Any younger students such as Pre-K through 2nd Grade (I believe?), along with special needs, can not commit a crime because of the lack of knowledge or intent. They're too young to commit a crime. I can't think of better phrasing, but those in that group are exemptions, basically.
However, I still want to warn older students. Just be careful out there and pick and choose your battles wisely. Don't forget 17 is the age in Texas where you can get treated as an adult for criminal offense and face adult consequences like jail time.
Stay safe!
I looked it up online and I hope you dont mind me sharing what I found!
Bill Text (2025-06-20) Relating to parental rights in public education, to certain public school requirements and prohibitions regarding ins
Just the bill and exact wording if this helps anyone or if they want to read the whole thing themselves
