Giddings ISD board adopts resolution directing compliance with Senate Bill 12 parental-rights provisions

The Giddings Independent School District Board of Trustees approved a resolution directing district employees and contractors to comply with Senate Bill 12, which becomes effective Sept. 1, 2025. The resolution was adopted by a 6'0 vote with one trustee absent.

The resolution enumerates directives for district implementation, including that parental rights will not be infringed except as required by law; that employees and contractors may not assign or engage in diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) duties for the district; that employees are prohibited from assisting students with social transitioning; and that parents are entitled to access written records about their child except where disclosure would likely result in the student suffering abuse or neglect. The resolution also requires instructional plans or syllabi for each class to be posted on the district website at the start of each semester and directs the superintendent to provide a parent portal for submitting comments to campus and district administrators and the board.

Board action on the resolution was recorded in the minutes. Trustee Pat Jackson moved to approve the Resolution Regarding Senate Bill 12 and Parent Rights; Trustee Martin Rangel seconded and the motion passed 6'0 with one absence. The resolution directs the superintendent to distribute the resolution to all employees and contractors both electronically and in hard copy.

The resolution text included other specific directives: notice to parents when an employee first suspects a criminal offense against a child (by the next school business day), prohibitions on collecting or disclosing a child's biometric identifiers without legal authorization, a requirement for written parental consent before human sexuality instruction, restrictions on third-party instruction about sexual orientation or gender identity, and limiting student clubs so they cannot be based on sexual orientation or gender identity unless written parental consent is obtained for participation. The resolution notes that local policies addressing Senate Bill 12 matters will be adopted as soon as practicable but after the law's effective date.

The board adopted the resolution during regular business; the meeting minutes record the motion, second and unanimous recorded vote among trustees present.