SB 12: Texas Prohibits DEI Duties in Public Elementary and Secondary
Summary
SB 12 was enacted in June 2025 and becomes effective on September 1, 2025. It prohibits Texas public school districts and campuses from assigning, funding, or maintaining roles, responsibilities, or departments dedicated to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). The law prohibits DEI-related training, policies, and programs that promote differential treatment based on race, sex, ethnicity, or other demographic characteristics. Additionally, SB 12 requires that grievance and discipline policies respect parental rights and explicitly forbids DEI responsibilities from being embedded in student services, extracurricular programming, or curriculum development. The bill also restricts student clubs related to gender or sexuality unless they meet specific neutrality standards. Enforcement mechanisms include oversight by the Texas Education Agency, which is authorized to issue corrective action or revoke district accreditation in cases of noncompliance.
