The Texas House gave preliminary approval Sunday to Senate Bill 12, which would ban diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies and programs in public K–12 schools. The bill passed 85–48 and now awaits a final House vote and reconciliation with the Senate before heading to Gov. Greg Abbott for signature.
Authored by Sen. Brandon Creighton and sponsored by Rep. Jeff Leach, the bill prohibits schools from considering race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or gender identity in hiring, and bans training on those topics unless federally required. It also mandates parental consent for student participation in school clubs and allows complaints about potential violations.
Supporters say the bill gives parents greater control and prevents political ideology from influencing classrooms. Critics argue the broad language may lead to self-censorship and harm marginalized students by removing safe, supportive spaces.
Amendments to preserve historical education and protect teacher discretion failed. If enacted, SB 12 will take effect Sept. 1.
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