Students’ Rights Hub

Every student should receive a high-quality education in a safe environment that prepares them for their future. This fundamental promise of our democracy is under attack in Texas.

When education reflects and affirms all students, it prepares them to thrive. Yet, Texas public schools have become increasingly unwelcoming, even hostile, to Black, Brown, Indigenous, LGBTQIA+, and religious minority students. Young people deserve better than censorship, discrimination, and bullying from state politicians and special interest groups. Our state is diverse and our schools should reflect this diversity.

The following resources are designed to help K-12 students, parents, educators, and advocates create inclusive schools where students are safe, supported, and treated with dignity:

Know Your Rights

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in 1969 that students do not shed their constitutional rights at the schoolhouse gate. No matter their race, gender, or background, every Texas student is promised the opportunity to learn in an environment where they feel valued and can think for themselves.

LEARN

ACT

Illustration of a pink backpack with multiple stickers on it

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

State lawmakers are working to ban any K-12 programs and activities that mention race or gender. Let's be clear: Every student deserves to see themselves reflected in school programs and activities. That's not just good education policy — it's their constitutional right.

LEARN
Senate Bill 12 (89R) is a sprawling, discriminatory, and unconstitutional law that includes a ban on all activities and programs that mention race, ethnicity, gender identity, or sexual orientation in Texas public schools.

Silhouette of a person with the text "tell our history, embrace our diversity, and teach the truth" written across the silhouette

Book Bans

From the state legislature to the school board, Texas officials are banning books that students rely on to learn about themselves and the world around them. Instead of trying to shield students from reality, we should prepare them for their futures.

LEARN

ACT

Illustration of a rainbow that says Read Banned Books below it

Religious Freedom

Texas politicians are trying to force state-sponsored religion into our public schools through unlicensed chaplains, religious curricula, public displays of religious texts, and more. Enjoying the freedom to decide whether and how to be religious is a core part of what makes us Texan.

LEARN

  • Get our fact sheet on Senate Bill 763, which allows unlicensed religious chaplains to work in public schools.
  • What you need to know about Senate Bill 11, Texas' state-organized prayer law.
  • Access our letter calling on school boards to reject unlicensed religious chaplains in Texas public schools.
  • Access this video from a former chaplain about the dangers of religious coercion.
  • Learn more about Senate Bill 10, Senate Bill 11, and Senate Bill 965, which allow state-mandated prayer and religious symbols in K-12 public schools.

ACT

  • Share this video about the motivations for putting chaplains in schools.
  • Use this toolkit to stop unlicensed religious chaplains from providing counseling and other services to students in your district.
Illustration that shows hands praying and says Freedom

Dress Codes

Many Texas public schools have dress code policies that shame and penalize students for simply showing up in the classroom as their authentic selves. No student should ever be punished for being who they are.

LEARN

  • Access our report which found that more than half of Texas public schools have discriminatory dress code policies.
  • Access our letter urging Texas public school districts to end race-based hair discrimination by complying with the CROWN Act.
  • Discover the story of how Texas students fought gender-based discrimination in court.

ACT

Silhouette of a person with an afro that says Free To Be Me!

LGBTQIA+ Issues

State and school officials are threatening LGBTQIA+ students’ education and safety by banning the bathrooms they can use, the health care they can get, the sports they can play, and more. Texas classrooms should be a place where students of all races, genders, and sexualities are respected for who they are.

LEARN

ACT

Lgbtqia+ flag in a heart-shaped outline

Take Action

Learn how students, educators, and community members can get involved and advocate for students’ rights.

STUDENTS

EDUCATORS

PARENTS, GUARDIANS, AND ADVOCATES

Silhouette of a person holding a megaphone that says Take Action in bold text

Witness what Texas students have to share about the books that inspire them, their experiences at school, and their visions for the future:

Each one of us has a role to play in ensuring that Texas students get a quality education in an inclusive environment — free from unconstitutional government overreach.

The ACLU of Texas has a long history of advocating with and for K-12 students, including our efforts to end the School to Prison Pipeline. We are grateful to work with our partners and coalitions like Teach the Truth, SEAT, Texas Freedom to Read Project, Texans for the Right to Read, and the All in For Equality Coalition.

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