EMB

Miscellaneous Instructional Policies: Teaching About Controversial Issues

Conroe ISD's EMB policy governs how employees, volunteers, and contractors approach controversial topics in instructional settings.

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Local Changes (3)

2025-10-21Adopted · Meeting notes

This update to Conroe ISD's EMB (Local) policy on Teaching About Controversial Issues significantly expands the policy by replacing "teachers" with the broader term "Subject Persons" (defined to include employees, volunteers, and contractors), and adds numerous new sections aligned with S.B. 12 (89th Texas Legislature) covering holidays/commemorative months, human sexuality instruction with parental consent requirements, pornographic material prohibition, diversity/equity/inclusion restrictions, gender identity and sexual orientation prohibitions, social transitioning, pronoun usage, prohibited terms, and new discipline and superintendent authority provisions.

Added

Subject Person Defined section heading added (as new sidebar label)
As used in this policy, "Subject Persons" means those persons who (1) are employed by the District, (2) volunteer time or services on behalf of the District (3) directly interact with District students including contractors, vendors, and other individuals. [moved to top of policy as its own defined section]
Subject Persons [replacing "Teachers"] shall not use the classroom to transmit personal beliefs regarding political or sectarian issues.
Subject Persons and sStudents [replacing "and educators"] shall ensure that, to the extent possible, discussions are conducted fairly and courteously.
Unless required by state or federal law or the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills, Subject Persons [replacing "Teachers"] shall not be compelled to discuss widely debated and currently controversial issues
or it is required by state or federal law or the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills, [added condition for when discussion may be required]
Subject Person [replacing "teacher"] must explore that topic objectively and in a manner free from political bias.
In guiding [replacing "classroom"] discussion of controversial issues, Subject Persons [replacing "teachers"] shall comply with the instructional requirements and prohibitions imposed under Texas law and by the District.
Subject Person [replacing "teacher"] shall be certain that:
Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for that grade level, [added to item 1 under selection criteria]
If a Subject Person [replacing "teacher"] is unsure about a topic of discussion or about the methods to employ, the Subject Person [replacing "teacher"] may discuss the issue with the principal.
In guiding [replacing "classroom"] discussion of controversial issues, Subject Persons [replacing "teachers"] shall: [Classroom Discussion section]
Holidays or Commemorative Months [new section heading]
In accordance with S.B. 12, (89th Texas Legislature), the District may acknowledge or teach the significance of state and federal holidays or commemorative months only if: 1. The federal or state holiday or commemorative month is established through a Presidential Proclamation, Congressional law or Resolution, Gubernatorial Proclamation, or Texas legislative law or Resolution; and 2. Fits into the themes of history and the stories of this state and the United States of America in accordance with the TEKS under Subchapter A, Chapter 28.
Except as required by state or federal law, tThe District, including Subject Persons [replacing "its teachers, and administrators, or any third party,"] shall not:
provide guidance or activities, discuss, require an understanding, [added to item 1 prohibition list]
discomfort, anguish, or guilt, or any other form of psychological distress [expanded language in item 1.e]
i. Make unpatriotic or anti-American sentiments. [new item i added to prohibition list]
Critical Race Theory and Systemic Discrimination Ideologies are generally defined as academic frameworks that laws, policies, and institutions create and maintain racial inequality, even when they appear neutral. [added definition of CRT/SDI]
Except as required by state or federal law, no private funding shall be accepted by the District for the purposes of curriculum development, purchase or choice of curricular materials, teacher training, or professional development pertaining to the above topics or Board Policy CH (Local), EFA (Local) or EFB (Local).
Student Lobbying for Course Credit [new section heading]
In accordance with HB 3979 (87th Texas Legislature), no employee shall require, make part of a course, or award course grading or credit including extra credit for, student work for, affiliation with, or service learning in association with any organization engaged in lobbying for legislation at the local, state or federal level, or in social or public policy advocacy. No employee shall require, make part of a course, or award course grading or credit including extra credit for, political activism, lobbying, or efforts to persuade members of the legislative or executive branch to take specific actions by direct communication at the local, state or federal level, or any practicum or like activity involving social or public policy advocacy.
Instruction on Human Sexuality [new section heading]
No human sexuality instruction may be provided that is inconsistent with the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills. In accordance with S.B. 12, (89th Texas Legislature), before a student may be provided with human sexuality instruction by a Subject Person, the District must obtain the written consent of the student's parent. A request for written consent under this subsection: 1. May not be included with any other notification or request for written consent provided to the parent, other than the notice, and 2. Must be provided to the parent not later than the 30th day before the date on which the human sexuality instruction begins.
The consent must include: 1. A clear, plain-language summary of the human sexuality curriculum (topics covered, objectives, grade-appropriateness). 2. Identification of whether outside speakers or third-party curriculum providers will be used. 3. Dates and class periods when the instruction will occur. 4. A statement that participation requires parental consent under S.B. 12. 5. Confirmation that the notice is provided at least 30 days prior to instruction (to comply with subsection (2)). 6. An explanation of the right to review the instructional materials before consenting. 7. A statement of the parent's right to withhold consent without penalty to the student. 8. A reminder that parents may revoke consent at any time by written notice. 9. Clear checkboxes or signature lines for: "I give my consent for my child to participate in human sexuality instruction," or "I do not give my consent for my child to participate," and Space for parent/guardian signature and date. 10. Name and contact information for the administrator or office handling the curriculum (so parents can ask questions or review materials).
Pornographic Material Prohibition [new section heading]
Pornographic material includes, but not limited to, "Harmful material" as defined by Section 43.24, Penal Code; "indecent content" that portrays sexual or excretory organs or activities in a way that is patently offensive; "profane content" including grossly offensive language that is considered a public nuisance; a library material rated sexually explicit material by the selling library material vendor; "sexually explicit material" as defined by Education Code 33.021; library material containing indecent content or profane content; any material that is pervasively vulgar or educationally unsuitable as referenced in Board of Education v. Pico; any material that refers a person to an Internet website containing pornographic material as described in this section of this Policy, including by use of a link or QR code, as defined by Section 443.001 of the Texas Health and Safety Code, or any other material legally prohibited from inclusion in a public school library. [See EFB(LEGAL) and EMB(Local)]. The possession, acquisition, and purchase of pornographic library materials is prohibited.
Unless required by state or federal law or the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills, instructional materials and library materials shall not include pornographic materials. Subject persons shall not instruct, or train any Subject Person to teach, support, or promote Pornographic Material.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion [new section heading]
Definitions [new sub-heading under DEI]
In accordance with S.B. 12, (89th Texas Legislature), diversity, equity, and inclusion duties means: 1. Influencing hiring or employment practices with respect to race, sex, color, or ethnicity except as necessary to comply with state or federal antidiscrimination laws; 2. Promoting differential treatment of or providing special benefits to individuals on the basis of race, color, or ethnicity; 3. Required any District employee or student to engage in training, orientation, or therapy that presents any form of race or sex stereotyping or blame on the basis of race or sex. (HB 3979, 87th Texas Legislature). 4. Developing or implementing policies, procedures, trainings, activities, or programs that reference race, color, ethnicity, gender identity, or sexual orientation except: (A) for the purpose of student recruitment efforts by colleges and universities designated as historically black colleges and universities in collaboration with school districts or open-enrollment charter schools; or (B) as necessary to comply with state or federal law. 5. Developing or producing Equity Audits based on race, color, ethnicity, gender identity, or sexual orientation, except the District may analyze school-based cause and take steps to eliminate unlawful discriminatory practices as necessary to address achievement gaps and differentials described by Texas Education Code Section 39.053. 6. Establishing offices or employment positions or assignments related to diversity, equity, and inclusion duties.
Inclusion Statement [new sub-heading under DEI]
In accordance with S.B. 12, (89th Texas Legislature), the District may not compel, require, induce, or solicit any person to provide a diversity, equity, and inclusion statement or giving preferential consideration to any person based on the provision of a diversity, equity, and inclusion statement.
Prohibition [new sub-heading under DEI]
In accordance with S.B. 12, (89th Texas Legislature), except as required by state or federal law, a school district: (1) may not assign diversity, equity, and inclusion duties to any person; and (2) shall prohibit a district employee, contractor, or volunteer from engaging in diversity, equity, and inclusion duties at, for, or on behalf of the district.
Contracting Clarification [new sub-heading under DEI]
Nothing in this Policy may be construed to limit or prohibit the District from contracting with historically underutilized businesses or businesses owned by members of a minority group or by women in accordance with applicable state law.
Gender Identity [replacing "Fluidity"] and Sexual Orientation [section heading updated]
Sexual orientation means sexual attraction a person feels toward others, such as attraction to the opposite sex, the same sex, both, or neither, including heterosexual, homosexual – attraction to the same sex, bisexual – attraction to more than one sex, or other orientations (e.g., asexual, pansexual). [new definition added]
Prohibitions [new sub-heading under Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation]
In accordance with S.B. 12, (89th Texas Legislature), the District shall not allow Subject Persons to provide instruction, guidance, activities, or programming regarding sexual orientation or gender identity or fluidity to students enrolled in prekindergarten through 12th grade.
A Subject Person may not use, or permit others to use, any District resource, funds, property, or personnel to adopt, support, or promote Gender Identity [replacing "Fluidity"] or sexual orientation as defined herein.
This section may not be construed to: 1. Limit a student's ability to engage in speech or expressive conduct protected by the First Amendment to the United States Constitution or by Section 8, Article I, Texas Constitution, that does not result in material disruption to school activities; 2. Limit the ability of a person who is authorized by the district to provide physical or mental health-related services to provide the services to a student, subject to any required parental consent; or 3. Prohibit an organization whose membership is restricted to one sex and whose mission does not advance a political or social agenda from meeting on a District.
For purposes of this policy, "Gender Identity [replacing "Fluidity"]" means any belief, theory or ideology that: [updated term in definition]
Social Transitioning [new section heading]
In accordance with S.B. 12, (89th Texas Legislature), social transitioning means a person's transition from the person's biological sex at birth to the opposite biological sex through the adoption of a different name, different pronouns, or other expressions of gender that deny or encourage a denial of the person's biological sex at birth.
The District shall prohibit any Subject Person from assisting a student enrolled in the district with social transitioning, including by providing any information about social transitioning or providing guidelines intended to assist a person with social transitioning.
The District shall prohibit [replacing "will not promote, require or encourage"] the use of pronoun identifiers for students, or any Subject Persons [replacing "teachers or any other persons"] in any manner that is inconsistent with the biological sex of such person as listed on: [Pronoun Usage section updated]
Prohibited Terms [new section heading]
The District shall not permit its Subject Persons to use the term "Latinx" but shall instead use the terms "Hispanic," "Hispanics," "Latino," "Latinos," "Latina" or "Latinas."
The District shall not permit its Subject Persons to use the term "minor-attracted person" and shall require the use of the term "pedophile" for any reference to sexual acts or attraction to students. Any Instructional Materials that speak to or reference pedophilia should only refer to it as an abhorrent crime.
Student First Amendment Rights [new section heading]
Nothing in this Policy may be construed to affect a student's rights under the First Amendment to the United States Constitution or Section 8, Article I, Texas Constitution.
of the social transitioning section of this [added specificity to Student or Parent Concerns section]
Additionally, if the Board determines that a district employee has assisted a student enrolled at the district with social transitioning, the board shall immediately report the violation to the Texas Commissioner of Education. [added to Student or Parent Concerns section]
Any other grievances or concerns under this Policy [replacing "A student or parent with concerns regarding instruction about controversial issues"] shall be directed to the complaint policy at DGBA (Local), FNG (Local), and GF (Local).
Discipline for Violations [new section heading]
A District employee who knowingly engages in a violation of this Board policy or assigning to another person an act prohibited by this policy shall be cause for appropriate discipline, including termination of District employees and contractors. [See DFAA, DFBA, and DFCA for procedures for discipline, including termination, as appropriate.]
Subject Persons, who are not district employees that violate this Board policy may be immediately terminated or removed by the Superintendent or designee. [See CH Local]
Policy Distribution [new section heading]
The District shall make available a copy of this policy to all District Subject Persons.
Superintendent Authority [new section heading]
The Superintendent shall develop policies and procedures to ensure compliance with this Policy. The Superintendent shall certify to the Board of Trustees that the District complies with this Policy not later than February 1, 2026.

Removed

Teachers [replaced throughout by "Subject Persons"]
As used in this policy, "Subject Persons" means those persons who (1) are employed by the District, (2) volunteer time or services on behalf of the District or (3) directly interact with District students. [old definition location/text removed from body of policy, moved and expanded]
Teachers shall not be compelled to discuss widely debated and currently controversial issues
a Subject Person teacher chooses to discuss a topic described above
the Subject Person teacher must explore that topic objectively
In guiding classroom discussion of controversial issues, Subject Persons teachers shall comply
Subject Person teacher shall be certain that:
If a Subject Person teacher is unsure
the Subject Person teacher may discuss
In guiding classroom discussion of controversial issues, Subject Persons teachers shall: [Classroom Discussion]
its teachers, and administrators, or any third party, [removed from Certain Instructional Requirements and Prohibitions intro]
or guilt [replaced by expanded language "discomfort, anguish, or guilt, or any other form of psychological distress"]
The District, including its Subject Persons [old phrasing before revision to remove "its teachers, and administrators, or any third party"]
Gender Fluidity Identity and Sexual Orientation [old section heading with "Fluidity" struck]
The District, including its Subject Persons, shall not teach, instruct, train or otherwise require any Subject Person or any individual or group, to adopt, support or otherwise promote Gender Fluidity (as defined herein). Additionally, Subject Persons shall not teach, instruct, train, or otherwise require any other Subject Person to teach, instruct, train, or otherwise communicate to any individual or group topics regarding sexual orientation or gender identity. [old Gender Fluidity section body removed and replaced]
For purposes of this policy, "Gender Fluidity" means [replaced with "Gender Identity"]
will not promote, require or encourage [replaced by "shall prohibit" in Pronoun Usage]
teachers or any other persons [replaced by "or any Subject Persons" in Pronoun Usage]
gender fluidity and/or pronoun usage [replaced by "the social transitioning section of this" in Student or Parent Concerns]
If the board determines that a district employee has violated this policy, the board shall immediately report the violation to the commissioner. [replaced by updated social transitioning-specific language]
A student or parent with concerns regarding instruction about controversial issues [replaced by "Any other grievances or concerns under this Policy" in complaint section]

Legal Compliance Summary

AI-generated assessment. Verify citations independently before relying on this analysis.

Parental Consent for Sex Ed: State law TEC §28.004(i-2), passed as part of S.B. 12 (2025), requires schools to get written permission from a parent or guardian before teaching any human sexuality content. This policy reflects that legal requirement.
Consent Notice Timing: The law requires the school to send the consent notice at least 14 days before instruction begins, but this policy sets that window at 30 days. The 14-day minimum is required by TEC §28.004(i-2); the extra time beyond that is the district's own choice.
Gender Identity and DEI Restrictions: This policy adds new rules limiting instruction and school activities related to gender identity, sexual orientation, and diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, in line with provisions of S.B. 12 (2025). A federal court has temporarily blocked parts of S.B. 12 in three other Texas school districts, but that order does not currently apply to Conroe ISD.
Expanded Definition of Covered Persons: The policy now applies its rules not just to teachers but also to volunteers, contractors, vendors, and others who work directly with students. This is a local decision by the district — no state law required this specific expansion.
Superintendent Compliance Report: The policy directs the Superintendent to develop procedures for following these rules and to certify compliance to the school board. S.B. 12 (2025) appears to require an annual certification, though the policy sets a specific deadline of February 1, 2026.
Prohibited Terms: The policy bans the use of the word 'Latinx' and requires staff to use the word 'pedophile' rather than 'minor-attracted person' in instructional materials. These rules are not required by any state law and reflect choices made by the local school board.

Legal Compliance DetailsMixed

AI-generated assessment. Verify citations independently before relying on this analysis.

Subject Person Definition — expansion to include volunteers, contractors, vendors, and other individuals who directly interact with students Locally Discretionary