Relating to parental rights in public education and prohibiting instruction regarding sexual orientation or gender identity for public school students.
Impact
If enacted, HB 4002 would fundamentally change how Texas public schools engage with matters of sexual orientation and gender identity. The bill strengthens parental rights by prohibiting school personnel from withholding information regarding a student’s mental health, especially in circumstances that involve the student’s perception of their biological sex. The law seeks to formalize the role of parents in discussions of sensitive issues, thereby potentially limiting the scope of student support services that might otherwise operate without explicit parental approval.
Summary
House Bill 4002 addresses parental rights within the realm of public education, specifically aiming to prohibit instruction related to sexual orientation or gender identity for students in public schools. The bill mandates that school districts require written parental consent before students can participate in any club focused on themes of sexuality or gender identity. Additionally, it establishes protocols for schools to notify parents about changes to the mental, emotional, and physical health services available to their children, reinforcing parental involvement in significant decisions affecting their child's well-being.
Contention
The bill has generated significant debate among stakeholders, with proponents arguing that it upholds parental authority and protects children from inappropriate educational content. Critics, on the other hand, contend that such restrictions may marginalize LGBTQ+ students and deny them supportive and affirming education. They express worries that the bill could hinder educators’ ability to foster an inclusive environment, potentially leading to a more hostile educational atmosphere for students who identify as LGBTQ+.
Identical
Relating to parental rights in public education and prohibiting instruction regarding sexual orientation or gender identity for public school students.
Same As
Relating to parental rights in public education and prohibiting instruction regarding sexual orientation or gender identity for public school students.
Relating to parental rights in public education and prohibiting instruction regarding sexual orientation or gender identity for public school students; authorizing a civil remedy.
Relating to parental rights in public education and prohibiting instruction regarding sexual orientation or gender identity for certain public school students.
Relating to parental rights in public education and prohibiting certain instruction regarding sexual orientation or gender identity; authorizing a civil penalty.
Relating to public education, including parental rights and public school responsibilities regarding instructional materials and the establishment of an education savings account program.
Relating to public education, including parental rights and public school responsibilities regarding instructional materials and the establishment of an education savings account program.
Relating to local school health advisory councils and instruction regarding human sexuality, sexual orientation, and gender identity provided by public schools.
Relating to dyslexia evaluations and services for public school students, the provision of services for students with dyslexia and related disorders, and certain parental notice regarding the rights of parents of public school students with disabilities.
Requires school districts to take certain actions in circumstances when school meal bill is in arrears; prohibits shaming students with school meal bills in arrears; prohibits certain district actions in collecting unpaid school meal fees.
Requires school districts to take certain actions in circumstances when school meal bill is in arrears; prohibits shaming students with school meal bills in arrears; prohibits certain district actions in collecting unpaid school meal fees.