The Cypress-Fair Independent School District board has voted to adopt a “Parent Rights and Responsibilities” policy.
Under the new guidelines, the district requires sex-segregated restrooms and locker rooms and makes clear that sex as indicated on a student’s birth certificate will determine which facilities the students can use.
The new policy also upholds state law banning male students from playing in girls’ sports.
Under the new rules, teachers will not be allowed to use pronouns that don’t match a student’s sex unless a reasonable accommodation is in place. The process to grant an accommodation requires schools to create a plan with both parents and the students involved.
If a student requests an accommodation, schools will be required to notify parents.
“Except to the extent prohibited by law or in cases of suspected abuse, District staff will notify parents if their child requests a reasonable accommodation related to use of the student’s legal name or use of different pronouns from student’s biological sex at school,” the policy reads.
In the event a student’s request interferes with a teacher’s sincerely held belief, the teacher may request a reasonable accommodation through the Human Resources department.
The policy explicitly rejects the concepts of “gender fluidity” and “gender identity” in educational materials and mandates that classroom discussions, instructional tools, and district-sponsored extracurricular activities align with biological realities.
Leftist activists spoke out against the policy before the board voted.
Harris County LGBT Commission member and Planned Parenthood Director Kylie McNaught spoke against the new policy before the vote.
“We reject the idea that this policy reinforces parental rights and instead view it as a dangerous overstep. This intrudes on children’s ability to self-expression and exploration,” said McNaught.
Parents in the district spoke in favor of the policy.
“To exclude parents from any process or decision regarding their child represents a nefarious attempt to undermine the family structure and unity. Consequences legally and financially reach beyond the child and are ultimately the parents’. These are facts.” said Julie Rix.
The new rules also guarantee parents have full access to their child’s records, including health records, teacher and school counselor evaluations, and all academic information. The district also prohibits any staff from encouraging students to withhold information from their parents, warning of disciplinary action.
Additionally, the policy prohibits the district from diagnosing or treating gender dysphoria and reinforces parental authority by making it clear that decisions regarding sensitive issues like mental health should be made by parents, not school staff.
