AUSTIN, Texas (KCBD) – The Texas Education Agency released guidance Monday outlining consequences for student walkouts and political activism in public schools.
The guidance responds to Governor Greg Abbott’s directive to investigate inappropriate political activism that disrupts learning environments in Texas schools.
Consequences for students and staff
Students must be marked absent during walkouts, and schools risk losing daily attendance funding if they allow or encourage students to leave class. Teachers who facilitate walkouts will face investigation and potential sanctions, including license revocation.
School systems that facilitate walkouts will be subject to investigation and sanctions. Penalties can include appointment of a monitor, conservator or board of managers.
State law requirements
State law prohibits school systems from supporting or opposing political activism that disrupts learning during school hours. Schools cannot use taxpayer-funded resources to facilitate political activism.
Certified educators are prohibited from encouraging student departures from class or school activities for political activism. Educators must follow the Educator Code of Ethics and local employment guidelines.
Violations by certified educators will be referred to SBEC Enforcement, which will pursue sanctions with the State Board for Educator Certification.
The agency said individuals with concerns not addressed through local grievance processes should submit complaints through the Online Complaints Form. TEA said it investigates each complaint and takes appropriate action when violations are found.
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