Gender, sexual orientation lessons would be banned in Texas schools under a bill that creates privat
Some lessons on gender identity and sexual orientation would be banned in Texas classrooms under a sweeping education bill introduced in the Texas Senate on Friday that also would allow parents to use taxpayer money for private schools.
Senate Bill 8, according to a news release from the bill’s primary sponsor, would allow parents to use up to $8,000 in taxpayer money, per student, to pay for private schooling through an educational savings account.
Rural lawmakers have historically opposed similar legislation, arguing that it siphons off money from public schools, often an anchor of rural communities. But this year’s bill carves out smaller districts, leaving school districts with fewer than 20,000 students fully funded. Texas schools receive a base allotment of $6,160 per student each year.
[What you need to know about education savings accounts, the voucher-like program championed by Gov. Greg Abbott]
The legislation puts lessons on gender identity and sexual orientation, under a new microscope. It mirrors a highly controversial law in Florida. The bill's language released late Friday says schools are prohibited from teaching such lessons to any grade level that are not "age-appropriate or developmentally appropriate." Schools would be able to review lessons based on state guidelines to ensure teachers are following the law. Schools must establish so-called "parent portals" for families to review instructional material.
https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/gender-sexual-orientation-lessons-would-be-banned-texas-schools-under-bill-creates-private
