Austin, Texas – Senator Brandon Creighton (R-Conroe) today filed SB 12, the Texas
Parental Bill of Rights, a bold step to ensure that Texas parents remain the chief
decision-makers in their children’s education. Considered the strongest Parental Bill of
Rights in the nation, this legislation increases transparency, empowers parental
involvement, and enshrines common-sense principles into law.
“Texas is home to the nation’s best teachers, administrators, and schools. Yet, too
often, a few outliers push their own political agendas over the well-being of our
students, said Creighton. “It is past time for Texas law to reaffirm that parents are,
and will always be, the chief decision-makers in their child’s education. While the
provisions of SB 12 may seem like ‘common sense’, they are crucial to counteract
instances where bad actors have undermined parental rights. The Texas Parental Bill
of Rights simply codifies what most Texans already know: parental involvement is the
most significant factor in student achievement-- because parents are the chief decision
makers, not institutions.”
SB 12 validates that parents are the ultimate authority to direct the moral and religious
upbringing of their children, make key educational decisions, and consent to medical,
psychiatric, and psychological treatments. Protected under both the U.S. and Texas
Constitutions, these rights also ensure that parents receive complete transparency
regarding their child’s education. School districts must provide access to curriculum
details, library materials, medical records, test scores, attendance records, teacher
evaluations, and any and all threats to a students mental or physical safety.
The bill allows parents to opt in or out of specific programs, such as sex education,
and establishes open communication channels between parents, teachers, and
administrators.
Another key element of SB 12 is its ban on DEI mandates in K–12 schools.
“Our youngest students deserve learning environments that inspire them to explore,
lead, and grow—not ones that label them as victims or oppressors, said Creighton.
“Texas schools should empower every child to reach their fullest potential. SB 12
sends a clear message: DEI initiatives in curriculum or hiring practices are not
acceptable, and any district that violates state or federal law will face consequences.”
Under the bill, schools are prohibited from implementing Diversity, Equity, and
Inclusion policies in hiring practices or offering special benefits based on race,
ethnicity, gender identity, or sexual orientation, and from using loyalty oaths. To be
clear, this restriction does not affect the teaching of the historical and cultural
significance of state and federal holidays.
The bill also expands school choice by allowing eligible students to transfer to another
district without tuition fees if seats are available, giving parents even greater control in
selecting the best educational setting for their children.
“SB 12 isn’t about reinventing the wheel—it’s about embracing the common-sense
values and principles that make Texas great. We’ve seen too many occasions, both
across the country and in our own communities, where the vital role of parents in
education has been overlooked. This bill is our answer to that challenge, said
Creighton. “By setting clear and strong guidelines at the district level, Texans can be
confident that this legislation will foster a system where political agendas and
bureaucratic overreach no longer overshadow the vital role of parents.”
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