This is Part 2 of a two-part series examining the new laws, policies, and legal changes Texas parents should know about before the 2026-27 school year. Read Part 1 for details on expanded parental rights, cellphone restrictions, and Ten Commandments classroom display requirements.
Student Names and Pronouns: What Texas Law Requires
One of the most debated changes affecting Texas classrooms involves policies concerning students who identify as “transgender.”
Under Senate Bill 12, which took effect September 1, 2025, Texas public schools are prohibited from adopting policies that require employees to use a student’s name or pronouns inconsistent with the student’s biological sex as defined by state law.
The law also prohibits school employees acting in their official capacity from encouraging or assisting a student in a “social transition” — including adopting a name, pronouns, or identity inconsistent with the student’s biological sex — without the required parental involvement under the law.
The Texas Education Agency has instructed districts that policies must comply with SB 12 requirements, including provisions involving parental notification and employee obligations.
The law prohibits school districts from requiring employees to:
- Use a name or pronouns inconsistent with state law.
- Encourage a student to withhold certain information from the student’s parent.
- Provide information to a parent in a manner prohibited under the statute.
However, portions of SB 12 have faced legal challenges.
A group of parents, students, educators, and advocacy organizations (including the Genders & Sexualities Alliance Network, Students Engaged in Advancing Texas, and the Texas American Federation of Teachers) filed a federal lawsuit on August 28, 2025, challenging several provisions of the law. The plaintiffs argued that certain sections violate protections under the First and Fourteenth Amendments and the federal Equal Access Act.
On February 20, 2026, U.S. District Judge Charles Eskridge issued a preliminary injunction blocking enforcement of certain challenged SB 12 provisions against Houston Independent School District, Katy ISD, and Plano ISD, including provisions involving “social transitioning” and certain requirements involving students who identify as “transgender.”
The litigation remains ongoing, and court rulings could affect how districts apply certain provisions.
Can Teachers Decline to Use Certain Student Names or Pronouns?
Under SB 12, Texas school districts may not require employees to use names or pronouns inconsistent with a student’s biological sex as defined by the law. The law also provides protections for employees who decline to participate in actions that would violate SB 12.
The statute states that a school district may not discipline, discriminate against, or take adverse employment action against an employee for declining to:
- Use a name or pronouns inconsistent with a student’s biological sex as defined by state law.
- Provide information prohibited under the law.
- Assist with a student’s social transition.
Teachers remain subject to other requirements governing professional conduct, classroom responsibilities, and district policies that are consistent with state law.
Can Schools Keep Information About a Student From Parents?
Texas law generally requires schools to keep parents informed about their child’s education and certain health-related information.
SB 12 expanded those requirements by requiring districts to notify parents about certain health-related services and changes affecting a student’s mental, emotional, or physical well-being.
The law also prohibits school employees from knowingly withholding certain information from parents.
The Texas Education Code Chapter 26 already provides parents’ rights to:
- Review education records.
- Inspect instructional materials.
- Receive information about school activities.
- File complaints regarding violations of parental rights.
Parents who want to remain informed can also:
- Review district policies before the school year begins.
- Communicate regularly with teachers.
- Attend school board meetings.
- Request copies of instructional materials.
- Monitor parent portals and school communication systems.
Bathroom and Locker Room Policies
Texas public schools must follow state law regarding access to certain multiple-occupancy restrooms and changing facilities.
Under Senate Bill 8, passed during the 89th Texas Legislature, public schools and other governmental entities must adopt policies governing access to multiple-occupancy restrooms and changing areas based on biological sex.
The law defines biological sex based on a person’s reproductive system and genetics as determined at birth and generally prohibits a person from entering a multiple-occupancy restroom or changing area designated for the opposite biological sex.
The law also allows entities to provide single-occupancy facilities available to any individual.
Are Adults Who Identify as “Transgender” Allowed to Teach or Participate in Classroom Activities?
Texas does not have a statewide law prohibiting an individual who identifies as “transgender” from working as a public school employee solely based on that identity.
Teachers and school employees must meet existing requirements, including:
- Certification requirements.
- Background checks.
- District employment policies.
- State educator standards.
The Texas Education Agency Educator Certification Online System provides information on educator certification requirements.
Parents who object to specific classroom materials, books, or activities have existing rights under Texas law to review instructional materials and communicate concerns to school administrators.
Under Texas Education Code Section 26.006, parents may review teaching materials used in their child’s classroom.
What Safeguards Exist for Parents?
Texas schools operate under state and federal requirements governing parental access, records, and instructional materials.
Parents can:
Review Instructional Materials
Parents have the right to inspect teaching materials used in their child’s classroom and instructional materials maintained by the district.
Access Student Records
Under the federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), parents generally have the right to access their child’s education records.
Participate in School Governance
Parents may attend school board meetings, contact elected trustees, and participate in district feedback processes.
Request Information From Schools
Texas law provides parents access to information about their child’s education, including academic records, certain health-related services, and instructional materials.
What Parents Should Watch Moving Forward
As Texas students return to classrooms, families will be navigating several new policies implemented after the 2025 legislative session.
The most significant changes include:
- Expanded parental notification requirements under SB 12.
- Statewide cellphone restrictions under HB 1481.
- Classroom Ten Commandments displays under SB 10.
- New requirements involving student names, pronouns, and parental involvement.
- Bathroom and facility rules established under recent legislation.
Several provisions remain subject to ongoing court challenges, and future rulings could affect how districts implement those requirements.
Parents seeking the most current information should monitor announcements from their local school district and the Texas Education Agency before the start of classes.
