ACLU of Texas Comments on Passage of S.B. 12 — Bill that Bans Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in K-12 Public Schools

AUSTIN, Texas – The Texas legislature passed Senate Bill 12 on Saturday, a bill that bans diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts in public schools from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. The bill censors discussions of race, gender, and sexual orientation, while threatening the privacy of trans and nonbinary students across all Texas public schools.

S.B. 12 will now be sent to the governor and is expected to be signed into law.

The following quote can be attributed to Ash Hall (they/them), policy and advocacy strategist for LGBTQIA+ rights at the ACLU of Texas:

“Let’s be clear: Senate Bill 12 is not about protecting students — it’s about enforcing a narrow vision of who belongs in our state. This bill not only violates students’ constitutional rights, it also aims to censor the truth, whitewash history, and punish educators for fostering a welcoming environment where every student can thrive.

“S.B. 12 imposes a ‘Don’t Say LGBTQIA+’ rule that mimics Florida’s widely criticized law. It also requires school districts to adopt policies that could ‘out’ transgender students to unsupportive parents or guardians, putting them at risk of abuse or homelessness. Our students and educators deserve so much better.”