Controversy is growing around Austin ISD’s Pride Week, set for this week, as the State Board of Education calls on the district to get rid of the themed week al
, 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.Vice President JD Vance is expected to visit Austin on Monday, and the City says that his arrival will impact traffic and shut down roads through Tuesday eveninPolice have arrested a 59-year-old man in connection with a series of stalking and window peeping incidents, Austin police said.Anthony Golden was arrested FridMONDAY P.M. UPDATE:The Spring Pine fire in Bastrop State Park has burned 46 acres and is 75% contained, according to the Texas A&M Forest Service.Park officialsThe Austin Police Department is responding to a barricaded subject call in southeast Austin early Monday morning.APD posted on X around 6:50 a.m. that SWAT isTravelers flying out of Austin-Bergstrom International Airport should allow extra time Monday as the arrival of Vice President JD Vance is expected to cause bri
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