Austin Independent School District is planning to celebrate LGBT “Pride Week” with both staff and students, despite concerns raised by parents and state officials over its appropriateness and legality.
Slated for March 23-27, the event will include “pride-themed spirit activities” that will take place outside of instructional time during the school day.
According to posted guidelines, although both National Pride Month and the Austin Pride Parade take place during the summer, Austin ISD “hosts Pride Week during the school year to show support for our diverse students, staff and families.”
“When students feel safe and can show up as their full selves at school, they’re better able to engage in learning and thrive academically,” the guidelines read. “Pride week is one of the many ways we highlight the district’s commitment to creating a safe, supportive and inclusive environment for all.”
Although the guidelines posted online list daily themes for the week, specific LGBT activities for each school will be communicated directly to parents by the school principal.
Strict social media policies for the event are also laid out, highlighting the importance of maintaining “campus anonymity.”
It specifically warns against posting images that “clearly identify our specific school” by avoiding capturing school signage, room numbers, or distinctive architecture that could reveal the event’s location to the public.
District employees are encouraged to instead capture images that show “engagement” and highlight the “effort,” such as LGBT themed hallway decorations, posters, flags, and attire.
“I am DONE watching my constituents’ exorbitant property taxes (especially through recapture) pay for Austin ISD to sexually indoctrinate kids through their illegal annual ‘pride weeks,’” posted State Board of Education Member Brandon Hall. “It’s time to defund AISD and criminally investigate Superintendent Matias Segura.”
Student groups and organizations will be allowed to plan LGBT-themed activities that occur outside of instructional time.
Texas law currently prohibits school-sponsored clubs that focus on sexual ideologies in government schools.
Austin ISD has held “pride week” events for several years, despite concerns raised by parents and state officials.
Texas Scorecard reported on the event in 2024, which included the distribution of LGBT “swag.” One mother of an Austin ISD kindergarten student said she would keep her child home due to the material that would be taught.
Attorney General Ken Paxton alleged in 2022 that Austin ISD’s pride week violated state law by teaching sexual orientation and gender identity topics, which constitute “human sexuality instruction,” without parental consent.
“The Texas Legislature has made it clear that when it comes to sex education, parents—not school districts—are in charge,” wrote Paxton.
Texas Scorecard reached out to Austin ISD for comment on the event but did not receive a reply by publication, as the district is on spring break.
