New laws in place are preventing students from participating in LGBTQ+ clubs, banning Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs, and prohibiting students from joining any club without parental permission.
Senate Bill (SB) 12, also known as the “Parents’ Bill of Rights,” was introduced in February 2025 and remained a bill until June 20, 2025, when Governor Greg Abbott signed it into law. The goal of SB 12 was to expand parental rights in public education and eliminate diversity in schools. SB 12 has received a very negative reaction from many students, parents, and teachers.
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has filed on behalf of dozens of students and parents against government agencies after they removed books and altered curriculum, arguing that this ban infringes on the First Amendment right to freedom of expression. Kimberly Pettigrew, an AP U.S. History teacher at LASA, explained how the new laws affect students’ choices when joining clubs.
“Students are going to have fewer options when it comes to clubs they can join,” Pettigrew said. “Especially because you have to have the parental permissions, and the fact that you cannot have any type of club that deals with gender identity and sexual orientation.”
By banning DEI programming, LASA freshman Mira Cons explained that SB 12 has impacted the different viewpoints of students. She added that the new law limits the education of different cultures and viewpoints.
“SB 12 is framed as a way to protect your child from these things and to take back your child’s education,” Cons said. “But what taking back your child’s education means in the context of this bill is censoring different values, creating this narrative of only one specific viewpoint, and blocking out the values of other people and history in current clubs and media, and showing your child a view that isn’t truly authentic.”
LGBTQ+ clubs have become places where students can express themselves in an accepting environment. Pettigrew explained how the new laws restricting them will impact students’ school experiences.
“The loss of community, or a space where you can feel safe, is certainly going to have negative effects,” Pettigrew said. “How negative those effects are, I don’t know.”
According to Cons, LGBTQ+ clubs are safe spaces for students, yet are know having to adjust to changes. Sullivan Randall, a LASA Pride Alliance (LPA) leader, mentioned how the bill impacts groups such as LPA.
“SB12 fails at everything it tries to do,” Randall said. “It’s very specific with what it prohibits and 100 percent targeted. Even though it tries to ban clubs such as LPA, we’re still able to meet almost the exact same as we did last year. Lots of other clubs aren’t able to label themselves the same way they once did, but are perfectly okay after the smallest rebrand. The point is no law can keep people from gathering.”
Not only is this law controversial for its restriction of expression, but Cons shared that some students have the opinion that it violates human rights. She explained how the new law infringes on the right to freedom of speech.
“The First Amendment right is free speech and your ability to choose what you wish to do,” Cons said. “I think, again, the media censorship that has been going on recently is exactly that, but in schools.”
Those against LGBTQ+ clubs may be under the impression that they push their agenda on others; however, in most situations, that’s not the case. Cons explained how clubs are just a way of expressing individuality and don’t harm anyone.
“[LGBTQ+ clubs] are not this big thing; clubs are just a way to have fun with friends. A way to feel safe.” Cons said. “It doesn’t have to be more than you want it to be. It is just about what a student wants to do, and that should not be policed by a state.”
This law affects every public school across Texas, with other states in the south following suit with similar bills. Schools are required to follow this law, but they are allowed to interpret it themselves.
