As Texas students return to classrooms, they face an education system increasingly shaped by discriminatory policies. From punitive dress codes that violate the state’s CROWN Act to gender identity policies that out students to their parents without their consent, these measures are more than just rules — they’re barriers that make schools hostile and unwelcoming to our students.
In response, the ACLU of Texas has launched a newly updated Students’ Rights Hub designed to equip students, families, educators, and advocates with the knowledge and tools to fight back. This online resource is a comprehensive guide to understanding and defending student rights across several critical areas:
- Know Your Rights: Learn about students’ political and free speech rights and explore strategies to address systemic discrimination in Texas schools.
- Book Bans: Access fact sheets, reports, and toolkits to challenge the growing wave of classroom censorship.
- Religious Freedom: Understand and combat efforts to insert state-sponsored religion into public schools.
- Dress Codes: Discover resources to end race-based and gender-based dress code discrimination.
- LGBTQIA+ Issues: Find essential information and advocacy tools for protecting the rights of LGBTQIA+ students, including resources for starting a Gay-Straight Alliance club at your school.
The hub isn’t just a list of student rights — it’s a lifeline for those affected by the increasingly harsh policies in Texas schools. Whether you’re a student facing discrimination, a parent advocating for your child, or an educator striving to create an inclusive classroom, the ACLU’s hub offers practical resources to empower action and self-advocacy.