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Senate Bill 12

Welcome

This page is designed to help parents understand their rights under Texas Senate Bill 12. Here, you’ll find relevant resources and guidance on how these rights apply within our district. Our goal is to ensure every parent has the information they need to stay informed and engaged in their child’s education.

Resolution

WHEREAS, Senate Bill 12 from the 89th legislative session relates to parental rights in public education, including requirements and prohibitions regarding instruction; diversity, equity and inclusion duties; assistance with District student social transitioning; and student clubs;

WHEREAS, Senate Bill 12 becomes effective on September 1, 2025; and

WHEREAS, local policies relating to matters in Senate Bill 12 will be adopted as soon as practicable, but after the effective date.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Trustees of Gainesville Independent School District directs all staff and contractors to comply with the following requirements and directives:

  1. All policies shall be implemented and followed;
  2. Parental rights—including the right to direct the moral and religious training of the child, make decisions concerning the child’s education, and consent to medical, psychiatric, and psychological treatment—will not be infringed unless required by law or to provide life-saving care;
  3. Except as required by state or federal law, employees and contractors may not assign diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) duties to any person, and the District prohibits any employee, contractor, or volunteer from engaging in DEI duties for the District;
  4. An employee or contractor who intentionally or knowingly engages in or assigns DEI duties will be disciplined, up to and including termination;
  5. Employees are prohibited from assisting a student with social transitioning, including providing information or guidelines intended to assist with social transitioning;
  6. No information about a child may be withheld from the parent unless required by law, with exception if disclosure would likely result in abuse or neglect; parents are entitled to all written records, including library and health records;
  7. Information about parental rights to access records must be posted on the District website;
  8. Instructional plans or syllabi for each class must be posted on the District website at the beginning of each semester;
  9. The Superintendent must provide an internet portal for parents to submit comments to administrators and the Board;
  10. Public comments must be heard at the beginning of each Board meeting;
  11. The Board will only hold meetings outside of typical work hours;
  12. Parents must be notified within one school business day if an employee first suspects a criminal offense has been committed against their child;
  13. Employees may provide parents with information regarding a student’s mental, emotional, or physical health or changes in services;
  14. No employee will encourage a student to withhold information from parents about their health or well-being;
  15. Employees may not discourage parental knowledge or involvement in critical decisions affecting student health or well-being;
  16. Unless authorized by law, no employee may disclose a child’s health or medical information to anyone but the parent;
  17. Unless authorized by law, no employee may collect, use, store, or disclose a child’s biometric identifiers to anyone but the parent;
  18. Unless authorized by law, no employee will provide health care services, medication, or medical procedures to a student;
  19. All grievances received after September 1, 2025, must comply with Texas Education Code Chapter 26A;
  20. Written parental consent is required before a student may receive human sexuality instruction;
  21. No employee may provide or allow third parties to provide instruction or programming on sexual orientation or gender identity for Pre-K–12 students;
  22. Each parent must be provided at least two in-person conferences with their child’s teacher each school year;
  23. No student club may be based on sexual orientation or gender identity;
  24. Written parental consent is required before a student may participate in any student club;
  25. The Superintendent must provide a copy of this resolution to all employees and contractors, both electronically and physically.