Texas Senate Passes SB 762 Banning LGBTQ Pride Flags in Classrooms, House Approves HB 6 on Teacher Discipline

The Texas Senate has approved Senate Bill 762 with a vote of 23-8, restricting the display of certain flags in public school classrooms. The bill prohibits flags such as those representing LGBTQ pride, the Confederacy, Black Lives Matter, and Blue Lives Matter. Only flags of the United States, Texas, military units, Native American tribes, colleges, universities, and those used for curriculum purposes are permitted. Three Democrats voted in favor of the bill. State Sen. Donna Campbell (R-New Braunfels), the bill's sponsor, aims to focus on education rather than advocacy by removing political symbols from classrooms. Critics, including State Sen. Sarah Eckhardt (D-Austin), have expressed concerns over potential confusion in defining what constitutes a 'flag' under the bill, which could lead to unintended violations. Schools violating the measure could face a $500 daily fine. Sen. Molly Cook (D-Houston) opposed the bill, arguing it targets LGBTQ students and teachers, while Sen. César Blanco (D-El Paso) supported it, emphasizing the need for a neutral learning environment. The Texas House passed House Bill 6, known as the 'Texas Teacher's Bill of Rights,' authored by Rep. Jeff Leach. The bill aims to improve working conditions for teachers and enhance classroom safety by allowing schools to discipline students with out-of-school suspensions for 'repeated and significant' classroom disruptions. It also requires students who attack teachers or make terroristic threats to attend alternative education programs for at least 30 days. The bill repeals a current law mandating out-of-school suspension for students caught vaping. Governor Greg Abbott praised the passage of HB 6, emphasizing its role in restoring discipline in schools and supporting educators. The bill reverses previous state laws from 2017 and 2019 and is seen as a response to increased student violence and classroom disruptions post-COVID-19.