Austin Independent School District (ISD) is adjusting its planned Pride Week activities to comply with a new state law banning diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in public schools. The district will move events outside of instructional time, rely on external funding, and eliminate blended courses. The State Board of Education and conservative groups have criticized the week, while some parents support it.
, set for this week, as the State Board of Education calls on the district to get rid of the themed week altogether, and some parents argue there are more pressing issues.has recently gone into effect.
The law bans the use of diversity, equity, and inclusion in public schools and clubs. To comply, Austin ISD says Pride Week will be made up of voluntary events held outside of instructional time. The district also plans to get rid of blended courses that go along with classroom activities, and the events will need to be funded by PTAs and other organizations. Mary Castle, director of government relations for Texas Values, said the district should end the week entirely. “This Pride Week could be in violation of state law, and they should just discontinue it,” Castle said. Elva Mendoza, a district parent and part of the Texas Freedom Network, said Pride Week is positive for many students in the district. “I want all kids to feel comfortable and that they can be themselves at school, and I think that’s all these activities are meant to do,” Mendoza said., saying events will not happen during instructional time. The district also posted a statement that said, “When students feel safe and can show up as their full selves at school, they’re better able to engage in learning and thrive academically.” Still, the themed week has drawn criticism from the state. Last week, a member of the State Board of Education called out the district and Superintendent Matias Segura for allowing this week’s events to happen, writing in a letter: “Please immediately stop indoctrinating students with ‘Pride’ activities, and focus on educating them.”“When I see high-ranking officials attacking activities that are meant to make those students feel like they are welcome, that they are accepted, that breaks my heart,” she said. Texas Values, a conservative education advocacy group, also warned the district last week about potentially violating state law. Castle said the group believes Pride Week is not appropriate for children. “We unfortunately believe that Pride Week brings in topics that are not appropriate for kids. I mean, it’s basically talking about human sexuality without the parents being involved,” she said.SAN ANTONIO - An investigation is underway for a officer-involved shooting involving a Castle Hills Police detective.The incident happened just after 8 a.m. Wednesday on the access road of Northwest Loop 410 and San PedSAN ANTONIO — Testimony continues today in the capital murder trial for Christopher Preciado.This week, jurors heard a timeline of when Savannah Soto, her boyfrKENDALL COUNTY, Texas — State Highway 46 near Enchanted Spring Ranch is being closed off in both directions as emergency crews respond to a two-vehicle crash, aSAN ANTONIO - Both prosecution and defense attorneys rested in the Christopher Preciado murder trial.The judge is expected to meet with both sides outside of the jury, which was sent home for the day.Closing arguemntsNew state rules that eliminate natural smokeable hemp products and increase licensing fees will go into effect at the end of the month. Hemp industry leaders say these new regulations will eliminate a majority of their i
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