The Texas Education Agency (TEA) has released new guidance to school systems across the state, outlining the consequences for students, educators, and districts regarding student walkouts and absences related to political activism.
According to the TEA, Texas law requires that students attend school and prohibits unexcused absences. The agency reminded school systems of their responsibility to ensure student safety and attendance.
“Today, in classrooms across Texas, tomorrow’s leaders are learning the foundational, critical thinking skills and knowledge necessary for lifelong learning, serving as the bedrock for the future success of our state and nation. It is in this spirit that school systems have been reminded of their duty and obligation to ensure that their students are both safe and that they attend school, with consequences for students for unexcused absences,” stated the TEA.
State law also forbids school systems from supporting or opposing any forms of political activism during instructional time if it disrupts learning. This includes using district resources funded by taxpayers to facilitate such activities. If a district is found violating these laws, TEA will investigate and may take actions such as appointing a monitor, conservator, or board of managers.
“State law prohibits school systems from supporting or opposing any forms of political activism that disrupts learning during the school day, including facilitation of political activism through the use of taxpayer-funded district resources. If a school system is found to be in violation of state law, the agency will investigate and take appropriate action, which can include the appointment of a monitor, conservator or board of managers,” according to TEA guidance.
Certified educators are also prohibited from encouraging or helping students leave class or school activities for political activism. Educators must comply with both the Educator Code of Ethics and local employment rules. Violations by certified educators will be referred to SBEC Enforcement for possible sanctions by the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC).
“State law also prohibits certified educators from encouraging or facilitating student departures from a class or school activity to engage in any form of political activism. Educators are also subject to all requirements in the Educator Code of Ethics and local employment guidelines. If findings related to violations of law by certified educators are made, such fundings will be referred to SBEC Enforcement, which will pursue enforcement actions with the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) to seek sanctions as warranted,” said TEA officials.
The agency encourages individuals who have concerns not resolved through local grievance processes to submit complaints directly to TEA. Each complaint is investigated thoroughly; if legal violations are found, appropriate action will be taken.
“Individuals with any concerns not addressed in their school’s local grievance process should submit a complaint with the agency through the . The agency thoroughly investigates each complaint received. If violations of law are found, the agency will take appropriate action to ensure that state law is upheld,” stated TEA representatives.
