Texas education reform bill stirs debate over LGBTQ+ inclusivity in schools

A controversial and restrictive proposal has emerged in Texas, which could see the discussion of sexual orientation and gender identity banned in classrooms.

The proposed legislation forms part of a comprehensive education bill aimed at redirecting taxpayer funds into private schools. The bill would not only prohibit any dialogue about gender and sexual orientation in public schools from kindergarten to 12th grade, but it would also be more severe than Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” law, which limits such conversations from kindergarten to third grade. Recently, Florida’s Board of Education expanded the ban to cover all K-12 public schools.

Republican leaders argue that the proposed legislation is part of their ongoing campaign to protect parental rights. Texans would be prevented from offering any guidance, lessons, or campus activities on topics relating to sexual orientation and gender identity.

However, advocates argue that this legislation could harm children from families that do not accept their sexuality or gender identity, according to Dallas Metro News. They also argue that the law could encourage bullying and take away safe spaces for children to express themselves.

During a recent hearing, Cameron Samuels, a recent graduate from the Houston-based Katy school district, expressed concern about the impact of the proposed legislation, stating that it would “remove student voices and prevent students from having safe spaces in their community.”

LGBTQ advocates have argued that the new legislation is an attempt to erase LGBTQ identities from classrooms and target their community. Another bill seeking to reform how public schools teach human sexuality curriculum and instruction also seeks to ban any discussions on human sexuality and prevent teachers from participating in any extracurricular events related to the subject.

Supporters of these bills, such as Texas parent Carrie Moore, argue that parents have a right to know what is being taught in schools. However, critics consider the references to human sexuality in the legislation as overbroad. Jonathan Gooch, communication director of Equality Texas, has expressed concern that the vague language of the bill could create confusion among teachers regarding what they can address.

Gooch and other supporters argue that a lack of discussion on LGBTQ issues in schools could have a negative impact on the community, inculcating a sense of shame in young people. In Florida, similar laws have resulted in schools withdrawing support for students who face rejection, homophobia, and transphobia. Teachers across all grades are reported to be avoiding such topics to save their jobs, leading some families to move out of the state.

According to The Trevor Project, an LGBTQ suicide prevention organization, 47% of LGBTQ youth in Texas seriously considered suicide last year, including more than half of transgender and nonbinary youth in the state. Supporters of the proposed ban argue that such bills only worsen the situation.

Sharon Herrera, the founder of Fort Worth youth support organization LGBTQ Saves, has emphasized that scaring teachers and counselors could prevent educators from being there for students who may feel alone or uncomfortable opening up about related issues with their families. Herrera, who almost took her life after being told she was “going to hell” for being a lesbian, emphasizes that one affirming adult can make all the difference in a child’s life.

The DMN Education Lab, a community-funded journalism initiative that aims to deepen coverage and conversation regarding key educational issues critical to the future of North Texas, has supported this news report. The lab retains complete editorial control of all journalism-related matters and receives support from various organizations.

It is also worth noting that at the end of March, the Texas House of Representatives passed a bill that would exempt menstrual products and selected baby supplies from sales tax, bringing relief to thousands of families across the state.