After the Austin Independent School District went viral on social media for its “Pride Week,” Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton penned a letter to the district, informing it that it is “breaking state law.”
Paxton shared the letter to Twitter on Tuesday, writing, “Today, I sent a letter to @AustinISD for their curriculum and lesson plans that constitute ‘human sexuality instruction’ governed by state law. The Texas Legislature has made it clear that when it comes to sex education, parents — not school districts — are in charge.”
Today, I sent a letter to @AustinISD for their curriculum and lesson plans that constitute “human sexuality instruction” governed by state law.
The Texas Legislature has made it clear that when it comes to sex education, parents—not school districts—are in charge. pic.twitter.com/pVZ4Sj8GMF
— Texas Attorney General (@TXAG) March 22, 2022
He told the district that its plans to teach about sexual orientation and gender identity “unmistakably constitute ‘human sexuality instruction,'” which is governed by state law.
“By hosting ‘Pride Week,’ your district has, at best, undertaken a week-long instructional effort in human sexuality without parental consent,” he added. “Or, worse, your district is cynically pushing a week-long indoctrination of your students that not only fails to obtain parental consent, but subtly cuts parents out of the loop.”
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“Either way, you are breaking state law,” he said.
Austin ISD Media Relations Specialist Eduardo Villa told the Washington Examiner, “We aren’t worried about Paxton’s letter. Pride Week and sex education are different.”
“Celebrating diversity and acceptance is not illegal,” he added.
He referred the Washington Examiner to a tweet from Superintendant Stephanie S. Elizalde, who said, “I want all our LGBTQIA+ students to know that we are proud of them and that we will protect them against political attacks.”
News of the event first appeared on the popular Twitter account “Libs of TikTok” on Sunday.
“Doss Elementary, TX is holding a ‘community circles’ activity for kindergarten-5th grade for Pride Week. One of the rules is students can’t repeat anything. What would a teacher be discussing during pride week that she’s worried the kids will tell their parents?” the account wrote.
Doss Elementary, TX is holding a “community circles” activity for kindergarten-5th grade for Pride Week. One of the rules is students can’t repeat anything.
What would a teacher be discussing during pride week that she’s worried the kids will tell their parents? ? pic.twitter.com/68uxTkOdTw
— Libs of Tik Tok (@libsoftiktok) March 21, 2022
An update appeared the next day, showing a gay pride parade through the school’s halls featuring children.
“I knew she would delete it so I saved it. The assistant principal posted this video of a pride parade in school to her Twitter account,” Libs of TikTok wrote.
I knew she would delete it so I saved it. The assistant principal posted this video of a pride parade in school to her Twitter account. pic.twitter.com/GrUdr9V4MS
— Libs of Tik Tok (@libsoftiktok) March 21, 2022
“@AustinISD continues with their pride week this week. Lively Middle School, Austin learned about coming out and using personal pronouns correctly,” a Thursday tweet said.
.@AustinISD continues with their pride week this week. Lively Middle School, Austin learned about coming out and using personal pronouns correctly pic.twitter.com/zuyJ7DEGeK
— Libs of Tik Tok (@libsoftiktok) March 24, 2022
In an announcement on its website, Austin ISD wrote: “Every year, to celebrate LGBTQIA+ students, staff and families Austin ISD hosts its own Pride Week, a time to highlight the district’s commitment to creating a safe, supportive and inclusive environment.”
The post added, “Campuses are encouraged to plan activities that engage, educate and inspire.”
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“Pride Swag — Students and staff, during the week of March 21-25, please visit your campus front office to pick up Pride and Ally stickers, posters, flags, pronoun buttons and more!” it said.
