On Friday, June 20, 2025, Gov. Greg Abbott signed Senate Bill 12 into law. The law took effect on Monday, Sept. 1, 2025, and aims to reshape public school practices related to parental rights, educator responsibilities, and the role of diversity and identity in pre-K-12 schools.
Under SB 12, school districts are prohibited from assigning to employees, contractors, or volunteers any duties that fall under the law’s definition of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). That definition includes:
- influencing hiring based on race, sex, or ethnicity except where required by federal law;
- promoting different treatment or benefits on those bases;
- developing or implementing trainings or programs that reference race, ethnicity, gender identity, or sexual orientation outside of limited circumstances; and
- requesting or evaluating DEI statements in hiring.
Districts are required to adopt discipline procedures, including termination, for employees who intentionally or knowingly violate this section, ensuring that due process and the accessibility of the policy are provided to staff.
‘Social Transitioning’ Provisions
SB 12 also addresses what it refers to as “social transitioning.” The law defines this as the use of names, pronouns, or other gender expressions that differ from a student’s assigned sex at birth. As we have seen in cases witnessed by our own staff and members, this is already creating problems. A nickname could theoretically fall under this definition, placing educators in an uncomfortable position.
Employees are prohibited from assisting students with “social transitioning.” Parents may report suspected violations to school boards, which are required to investigate and report confirmed cases to the commissioner of education. The statute does not prescribe specific disciplinary consequences; enforcement will follow local policy. This could mean vastly differing consequences for educators throughout the state.
Instructional Scrutiny & ‘Don’t Say Gay’
Curriculum and instructional changes are another “feature” of the law. Districts must now require teachers to provide parents with course syllabi or instructional plans before each semester begins. SB 12 also expands on legislation passed in 2021 by making disciplinary action (including termination) mandatory, instead of merely allowed, for teaching prohibited subjects outside the scope of the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS).
Human sexuality instruction requires written parental consent provided at least 14 days in advance, and teachers must provide at least two in-person opportunities for parent-teacher conferences during the year. The law prohibits instruction, guidance, or activities regarding sexual orientation or gender identity at any grade level, codifying what is widely referred to as a “Don’t Say Gay” provision.
The law also limits students’ ability to form or join certain extracurricular clubs. It prohibits districts from authorizing or sponsoring clubs organized around sexual orientation or gender identity, meaning Gay-Straight Alliances (GSAs) and similar groups cannot receive official recognition. At the same time, it requires written parental consent for participation in any authorized student club. The statute does allow single-sex clubs with missions that “do not advance a political or social agenda,” creating a narrow exemption.
Parental Consent Requirements
SB 12 further expands parental rights around student information. District employees may not discourage or restrict parental knowledge of a student’s mental, emotional, or physical health. Written parental consent is required before administering psychological exams or treatments, before giving well-being questionnaires or health screenings, and before collecting or disclosing a child’s biometric or medical information, unless required by state or federal law.
Districts are also required to adopt grievance procedures that allow parents and students to file complaints. These procedures must prohibit retaliation. Teachers and staff may be called on to provide information in such proceedings, particularly if they are the subject of a grievance.
More broadly, there is some reason to hope that the grievance response timelines articulated in the bill will ensure that complaints are more efficiently resolved. This is especially important for potential civil rights violations and for students and families seeking corrective actions for students needing special education services.
There is, of course, potential for this process to be hijacked or weaponized at the local level; the bill also requires a district to report to the state the numbers and results of these grievances and resolutions.
Legal challenges to SB 12 are underway. The ACLU of Texas, along with student groups and other plaintiffs, has filed suit arguing that the law infringes on students’ rights to equal access and expression. The broader legal context may also shape how SB 12 is interpreted. Recent federal court rulings against DEI-related programs in higher education suggest that courts may look favorably on laws restricting DEI practices, though how that intersects with SB 12 remains to be determined.
For educators, the law raises immediate questions about daily practice. Just this week, our members reported districts refusing to provide students with needed Band-aids without parental consent due to fear instilled by SB 12 and its vague language. In response, one co-author of SB 12 posted this letter asking the Texas Education Agency for more guidance.
Looking Ahead
Teachers want clarity on whether safe-space posters may remain in classrooms, whether student art addressing LGBTQIA+ themes may be displayed, whether preferred names and pronouns can be used with parent consent, and whether informal student clubs can meet when official recognition is prohibited. Unfortunately, and unless clear guidance is provided by TEA, many of these questions will be answered only through rulemaking by the State Board for Educator Certification, local district policies, or future court decisions.
In the next week, Texas AFT members should be on the lookout for a reporting form to submit real-world examples of how SB 12 is being implemented on your campuses. We will email you with further information.