Texas Senate approves ban on DEI, LGBTQ+ clubs in public schools
| April 4, 2025
dei | DFW | diversity | EDUCATION | equity | greg abbott | inclusion | public schools | TEXAS | Texas Lead Story | trump
The Senate approved SB 12 in a 20-11 party-line vote on March 19. It’s now headed to the Texas House for consideration. The bill bans the teaching of gender identity and sexual orientation, creates an avenue for parents to file complaints about violations, and requires districts to create policies for disciplining employees who engage in DEI-related tasks.
What Trump’s dismantling of the US Education Department means for Texas
| March 27, 2025
DFW | DFW TEXED EXCLUSIVE | EDUCATION | education department | musk | old texas | TEXAS | Texas Lead Story | trump
The Trump administration's plans to close the US Education Department — which provides $3.6 billion to Texas schools — has left public school advocates decrying it as "embarrassing, maddening, and saddening."
These librarians won’t let America’s fever hit Fahrenheit 451
| March 20, 2025
bannedbooks | bookbans | books | CIVIC ENGAGEMENT | CIVIL RIGHTS | Community | CULTURE | EQUALITY | History | libraries | library | LITERATURE | national politics | old texas | politcal | political | politics | public education | schools | TEXAS | TEXAS POLITICS
A new documentary shows us our local guardians of intellectual freedom in battle.
Texas schools have leaned on uncertified teachers to fill vacancies. Lawmakers want to put a stop to it.
| March 17, 2025
CHILDCARE | EDUCATION | JOBS | lawmakers | politcal | political | politics | public school | schools | TEXAS | TEXAS LEGISLATURE
Underprepared teachers have been tied to student learning losses. But amid a teacher shortage crisis, school leaders fear the restrictions will lead to fewer instructors in their classrooms.
Public school funding in Texas doesn’t match community support, advocate says
| March 6, 2025
DFW | EDUCATION | funding | old texas | public education | public school | state legislature | TEXAS HOUSE
Amid declining enrollments and budget shortfalls, public school supporters are concerned that a $1 billion school voucher program will funnel more money away from neighborhood schools.
Texas may change how schools select library books. Critics say it could lead to more bans.
| March 6, 2025
bookbans | books | censorship | CIVIL RIGHTS | libraries | library | old texas | politcal | political | politics | schools | state legislature | TEXAS | TEXAS POLITICS
Senate Bill 13 would create school library advisory councils largely made up of parents. It would give school boards, rather than librarians, the final say over new books.