Signed by our Governor on June 3, 2025, Senate Bill 12 (SB12) was officially written into law. The purpose of this legislation is to expand parental rights in public education, primarily focusing on prohibiting instruction of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) duties. Caught in this crossfire are all student-led clubs at Austin High School.

Many parents across Texas pointed to their limited control of their children when the classroom doors were closed. Parents reported various topics, including gender identity and sexual orientation, being taught to their kids without their knowledge or consent. They argue such practices were both irrelevant to the classroom and potentially destructive. The bill fights for parental control over moral and educational teachings. SB12 also gives parents the ability to file complaints over violations of the law. According to Senator Brandon Ceighton, the bill “does not allow for any discrimination. It ensures that our schools follow federal law and state law”, and prevents DEI officers from serving a particular agenda.

Criticisms of the law, especially in regards to classrooms, have responded to parents’ concerns. Many people acknowledge that school clubs may be a safe-space for a student to express themselves, or find a break from both school and home life. The American Civil Liberties Union of Texas has responded to the legislation with a lawsuit. Brain Klosterboer, a senior staff attorney of the ACLU, stated “This ban on education harms Texas schools by shutting down important discussions and programs… S.B. 12 aims to punish kids for being who they are and ban teachers from supporting them.” He continues to add that these schools give students access to a safe, inclusive education that prepares them “for a future in our diverse state.”

Further, critics argue that history, primarily for marginalized groups, will be covered up. Although no form of critical race theory has ever been established in Texas public schools, many have claimed that the way history over race has been taught promotes a certain message.

So how has Austin High been affected? All clubs or school-sponsored activities relating to LGBTQ+ ideas or support have been removed from campus. Further, every club that students wish to join has to be approved by the parent through a permission form which then gets uploaded to the school by the club’s sponsor. The form asks many questions, including 

club name, sponsors, the purpose or goal of the club, and a signature from the parent approving their students attending it.

Club leaders have complained about this addition, with it acting as another barrier in the already difficult process of students attending extracurricular activities. Additionally, school classes now require a form. Model UN, a well established class for years now, requires parental consent to discuss and debate about the difficult topics in the class. This may act as a deterrent for both parents and students to the class. However, many parents argue this sacrifice is necessary to ensure their child’s education stays strictly educational.

Whatever people’s opinion is, the regulation seems to be here to stay. Students and club sponsors will be working together far more this year to ensure these parental consent forms get filed correctly, and all members are accounted for.