SB 13 created a number of requirements regarding the acquisition, retention, and elimination of library materials as well as defining the role of parents and the School Library Advisory Council in those processes. In keeping with this update’s theme of parental rights, this section will focus on parent’s rights regarding library materials. Parents now have […]
Read moreTex. Educ. Code §33.0815(c) requires that a “school district or open-enrollment charter school must require the written consent of the parent of or person standing in parental relation to a student enrolled in the district or school before the student may participate in a student club authorized or sponsored under Subsection (a) at the district […]
Read moreAs you are all aware, SB 12 requires districts to provide parents notice of what routine health services are offered at the campus the student attends. This notice is required to be provided either at the beginning of the year or upon the student’s enrollment in the district. In this notice, parents are given the […]
Read moreOn January 21, 2025, Acting Department of Homeland Security Benjamine Huffman issued a directive rescinding the Biden Administration’s guidelines that designated schools and other community services as “sensitive areas”. Those guidelines had stated that to the extent possible, ICE agents should not carry out immigration enforcement activities in these locations. It is now unclear whether […]
Read moreHouse Bill 3 brings major changes to school safety, specifically requiring districts to strengthen active shooter policies and safety plans. Effective September 1, 2023, it is imperative that districts begin to review the new requirements of HB 3 to ensure policies and procedures are compliant in time for the upcoming school year. Security Officers/Facility Safety […]
Read moreOn Friday, February 17, 2023, the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights released new Title IX resources released to support equal opportunity in athletic programs. This included the following two publications: Supporting Equal Opportunity in School Athletic Programs: A Resource for Students and Families PDF Title IX and Athletic Opportunities in K-12 Schools: […]
Read moreOn December 7, 2022, Governor Greg Abbott ordered all Texas state agencies to ban the use of TikTok on any government-issued devices. In his letter to state agencies, Abbott ordered every state agency in Texas to ban its officers and employees from downloading or using TikTok on any of its government-issued devices. The TikTok ban […]
Read moreOn October 24, 2022, the Eastern District of Texas overruled a school district’s objections to the Report and Recommendation of a magistrate judge denying the district’s motion to dismiss. Ultimately, the court ruled that coaches may be “appropriate persons” with actual knowledge satisfying one element of a Title IX complaint. A Brownsboro ISD student, through […]
Read moreOctober brings Fall weather, changing leaves, and a bit of chaos on the student discipline front. Homecoming festivities and other school-sponsored events may trigger an uptick in allegations of student-on-student sexual misconduct. When a school employee receives notice of a potential Title IX issue, the District must respond with immediate and swift action so as not […]
Read moreFollowing the tragedy at Robb Elementary School, state educational leaders, legislators, and community members are seeking assurances from school districts across Texas regarding safety and security plans and procedures. The Texas House of Representatives Investigative Committee recently released a 77-page report detailing the Uvalde shooting and the extent to which the Uvalde ISD acted in […]
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