Senate Education Committee discusses parents' rights

The Senate K-16 Education Committee met Feb. 27 to hear a wide variety of bills generally related to a parent’s rights regarding their child’s education. TCTA submitted written comments on two bills, registered in support of two others, and requested an amendment for another that was accepted by the author before the hearing began.

TCTA submitted written comments on aspects that involve disciplinary actions for teachers. SB 12 and SB 1565 contain similar language that would discipline teachers who “engage in or assign to another person diversity, equity, and inclusion duties.” TCTA suggested that the bill include “intentionally or knowingly engages in…” to protect teachers from discipline if they are not consciously violating these rules.

Additionally, the bills would not provide teachers a reasonable opportunity to refuse to perform duties that could subject them to discipline and would not give teachers an opportunity to respond or participate in the grievance process created by the bill. TCTA suggested that both be considered for future amendments.

TCTA also registered in support of two bills: SB 609, which would close loopholes that allow school districts and other local education agencies to avoid complying with education law, and SB 813, which would create new grievance boards to handle issues related to public education.

TCTA worked with Sen. Lois Kolkhorst on her SB 400, which requires written parent consent before a psychological test of their child. She accepted clarifying language to ensure that a teacher may still informally check in with a child about their general well-being.

TCTA will continue monitoring these bills as they progress to ensure teachers’ rights are protected alongside any changes to parents’ rights.