Last Updated on August 15, 2025 by Bertrand Clarke

As the 2025-2026 school year kicks off across Texas, public school districts are navigating a complex landscape of new state legislation that promises to reshape how schools approach diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives and library content. Effective September 1, 2025, Senate Bill 12 and Senate Bill 13, passed during the 89th Texas Legislative Session, introduce policies that prioritize parental oversight and restrict certain educational practices. These laws aim to empower parents while sparking debates about their impact on student learning and school operations. This article explores how these changes are being implemented, their potential effects on Texas schools, and the broader implications for education in the state.

New Laws Reshaping Texas Education

Texas lawmakers have positioned Senate Bill 12 and Senate Bill 13 as cornerstones of a broader push for transparency and parental involvement in public schools. Senate Bill 12 focuses on curbing DEI initiatives, prohibiting schools from sponsoring clubs like gay-straight alliances and restricting teachers from supporting transgender students’ social transitions, such as using preferred pronouns or names. It also bans mandatory DEI training for staff and requires parental consent for students to join extracurricular clubs or access certain healthcare services. Senate Bill 13, meanwhile, targets school library content, mandating the creation of library councils to oversee book selections and allowing parents to monitor their children’s library checkouts.

According to Joy Baskin, associate executive director at the Texas Association of School Boards, districts have spent the summer of 2025 preparing for these changes. “Our focus has been on interpreting the legislation and updating district policies to ensure compliance while maintaining a supportive environment for students,” Baskin said. This preparation has involved training administrators, revising handbooks, and communicating with parents about their expanded rights under the new laws.

Parental Empowerment or Administrative Burden?

Proponents of the legislation argue that it strengthens parental rights, a longstanding priority in Texas education policy. “Parents should have full visibility into their child’s education, from the books they read to the clubs they join,” said State Senator Brandon Creighton, a key supporter of Senate Bill 12. The law aligns with Governor Greg Abbott’s emphasis on transparency, ensuring parents can make informed decisions about their children’s school experiences. Senate Bill 13, in particular, allows parents to access detailed records of library materials, a move supporters say prevents the inclusion of “inappropriate” content related to gender, sexuality, or other polarizing topics.

However, critics argue that these laws create significant challenges for schools. Steve Amstutz, a former Houston Independent School District (HISD) teacher and principal, now co-executive director at the Institute for Research and Reform in Education, warns that the restrictions could limit educational resources. “Teachers may hesitate to introduce diverse reading materials out of fear of scrutiny, which could reduce the breadth of learning opportunities,” Amstutz said. He also highlighted the administrative burden, noting that the requirement for parental consent for routine healthcare services, such as a nurse applying a bandage, could lead to excessive paperwork. “This is more work for schools to provide less support for students,” he added.

Data from the Texas Education Agency (TEA) shows that Texas public schools serve over 5.4 million students across more than 1,200 districts. With the new laws, districts must now allocate resources to train staff, establish library councils, and manage parental consent processes. A 2025 TEA report estimates that compliance with Senate Bill 12 alone could cost districts an additional $50 million annually in administrative expenses, diverting funds from classroom instruction.

The Library Debate: Access vs. Oversight

Senate Bill 13 has sparked heated discussions about school libraries. The law encourages districts to form library councils, which include parents and community members, to guide book selection and review processes. Supporters argue this ensures that library materials align with community values. “Libraries shouldn’t be a platform for pushing agendas,” said State Representative Steve Toth, a co-sponsor of the bill. A 2024 survey by the Texas Library Association found that 68% of Texas parents support greater transparency in library collections, reflecting a demand for oversight.

On the other hand, educators and advocacy groups, including the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Texas, express concerns about censorship. The ACLU filed a lawsuit in July 2025 challenging Senate Bill 12, arguing that it infringes on students’ rights to free expression and access to diverse ideas. Chloe Kemp, an ACLU attorney, stated, “These laws risk creating a chilling effect, where schools avoid controversial topics altogether, limiting students’ exposure to critical perspectives.” A 2025 report by PEN America noted that Texas led the nation in book bans, with over 1,200 titles removed from school libraries in the 2024-2025 school year, many related to race, gender, or sexuality.

Impact on Students and Teachers

The new policies could significantly affect students, particularly those in marginalized groups. Senate Bill 12’s prohibition on supporting transgender students’ social transitions has drawn criticism from advocacy groups like Equality Texas. “This law sends a message that transgender students aren’t welcome in our schools,” said Ricardo Martinez, CEO of Equality Texas. A 2024 Trevor Project survey found that 60% of transgender and nonbinary youth in Texas reported feeling unsafe at school, a figure that advocates fear could rise under the new restrictions.

Teachers, too, face challenges. The Texas State Teachers Association reported in August 2025 that 45% of educators surveyed felt “less confident” in their ability to teach inclusively due to the new laws. “Teachers are caught between complying with vague regulations and meeting the needs of their students,” said association president Evelyn Ruiz. The added administrative tasks, such as documenting parental consents, could exacerbate teacher burnout, with the National Education Association noting a 15% increase in Texas teacher resignations since 2023.

Houston-Area Schools Respond

In the Houston area, districts like HISD, Fort Bend ISD, and Spring ISD are adapting to the new requirements. HISD, the state’s largest district with over 189,000 students, has established a district-wide library council to review books and ensure compliance with Senate Bill 13. Fort Bend ISD, serving 80,000 students, has introduced an online portal for parents to track library checkouts, a move praised by parent groups but criticized by librarians for potential privacy concerns. Spring ISD, with 34,000 students, has faced pushback from teachers over the ban on DEI training, with some arguing it limits professional development opportunities.

Local parent organizations have mixed reactions. The Houston Parents for Public Education, a grassroots group, supports the transparency measures but urges districts to balance oversight with student access to diverse materials. “We want parents involved, but we don’t want libraries stripped of valuable resources,” said group leader Maria Gonzalez.

Broader Context: Texas Education in 2025

The new laws come amid other significant changes in Texas education. The 89th Legislative Session also passed House Bill 2, allocating $8.5 billion for public schools, including $3.7 billion for teacher raises. However, critics argue this falls short of the $19.6 billion needed to match 2019 purchasing power, according to nonprofit Raise Your Hand Texas. Additionally, Senate Bill 2 established a $1 billion Education Savings Account program, allowing public funds for private school tuition, a move Governor Abbott championed as “empowering parents.”

Meanwhile, HISD remains under TEA oversight following a 2023 takeover prompted by low performance at Wheatley High School. A 2025 TEA report highlighted improvements, with no F-rated campuses in HISD for the 2024-2025 school year, down from 121 D- or F-rated schools two years prior. However, the new laws add complexity to an already strained system, with districts juggling compliance, funding challenges, and teacher shortages.

Looking Ahead

As Texas schools implement Senate Bill 12 and Senate Bill 13, the debate over their impact will intensify. Supporters see them as a victory for parental rights, while opponents warn of reduced educational equity and increased administrative burdens. The ACLU’s lawsuit against Senate Bill 12, set for a hearing in October 2025, could alter its enforcement, while ongoing advocacy from groups like Equality Texas and PEN America aims to protect student access to diverse ideas.

For now, Texas educators are tasked with balancing compliance with the needs of their students. As Amstutz put it, “The goal should be to empower students to think critically, not to limit what they can learn.” With the school year underway, the effects of these laws will soon become clear, shaping the future of education in the Lone Star State.