El Paso ISD deleted an X post that included a photograph appearing to show a Pride flag in a classroom. The original post URL later returned a page-does-not-exist message. | Images by El Paso ISD/X; compilation by DX.
El Paso Independent School District deleted an X post that appeared to show a Pride flag hanging inside a classroom after the image drew criticism online, but the district has not explained why it removed the post or whether the display remains in place.
The original post URL returned an X message stating, “this page does not exist,” when The Dallas Express checked early Saturday. El Paso ISD kept a separate July 10 item on its website with the same wording, but that page displayed a different set of photographs and did not include the Pride flag image.
Deleted post differs from district website
The X post promoted campus and district leaders’ preparations for the 2026-27 school year. Its four-photo collage included an image that appeared to show two adults standing in a room with classroom furnishings and a large Pride flag on the wall.
“As we prepare to welcome students back for the new school year, El Paso ISD campus and district leaders are getting ready behind the scenes,” the district wrote.
“This week, they explored the services, resources, and support systems provided by our Operations Services Department that help ensure every campus is ready for a successful start to the school year.”
Although the district website retained those words, its gallery showed four different photographs. The district has not said why the X version used the disputed image or why it later deleted the post.
Libs of TikTok highlighted the image Friday.
“El Paso Independent School District (@ELPASO_ISD) in Texas made a post online that appears to show a Pride flag hanging inside a school classroom,” the account wrote.
“This is a VIOLATION of Texas law HB 3842, which PROHIBITS LGBTQ flags from being displayed at public schools. This should be investigated,” the account added, tagging Attorney General Ken Paxton.
Legal claim cited failed bill
The account incorrectly cited House Bill 3842. The proposal would have prohibited governmental entities, including school districts, and their employees from displaying an “LGBTQ flag” on government property, including classrooms. The House referred the bill to the House State Affairs Committee in March 2025, but lawmakers never passed it.
Senate Bill 12, which applies beginning with the 2025-26 school year, prohibits school districts from assigning certain Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion duties. It also bars instruction, guidance, activities, or programming regarding sexual orientation or gender identity for students in prekindergarten through 12th grade. The law does not specifically prohibit Pride flags.
The photograph alone does not establish whether the display violated SB12. El Paso ISD has not identified who placed or approved the flag, explained the room’s purpose, said whether students saw the display, or confirmed whether the flag remains in place.
District leaves questions unanswered
Earlier this month, UT Dallas removed a Pride-themed mural after the display drew SB17 compliance questions, as previously reported by The Dallas Express.
The district did not respond before publication.
Without an answer, the location, purpose, approval process, and current status of the display remain unclear.