{ "code": "EMB", "title": "Miscellaneous Instructional Policies: Teaching About Controversial Issues", "description": "Conroe ISD's EMB policy governs how employees, volunteers, and contractors approach controversial topics in instructional settings. It covers areas such as human sexuality education, diversity and equity-related content, gender identity and sexual orientation, pronoun usage, and materials deemed inappropriate for students. The policy also establishes rules around holidays and commemorative months, parental consent for certain instruction, and discipline for violations.", "last_action_date": "2025-10-21", "last_action_result": "adopted", "timeline_local": [ { "date": "2025-10-21", "school_year": "2025-2026", "action": "adopted", "result": "adopted", "summary": "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.", "changes_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." ], "changes_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]" ], "meeting_notes_url": "https://cisd-meetings.boardmonitor.app/meeting.html?id=2025-10-21_regular", "confidence": "high", "source_redline": "EMB_LOCAL.pdf", "notes": "This is a comprehensive policy rewrite. Red underlined text = additions; red strikethrough = deletions. The document is largely new red-underlined text (new sections added per S.B. 12, 89th Texas Legislature). The cover page title reads 'Discuss and Possibly Adopt Revisions to Board Policy EMB (Local)' which maps to action='adopted' per the extraction rules. Many of the additions are entirely new sections with no prior counterpart. The term 'Gender Fluidity' is replaced throughout with 'Gender Identity.' The definition of 'Subject Persons' was moved from the body of the policy to a dedicated top-level defined section and slightly expanded to include 'contractors, vendors, and other individuals.'", "compliance_assessment": { "classification": "Mixed", "elements": [ { "element": "Subject Person Definition — expansion to include volunteers, contractors, vendors, and other individuals who directly interact with students", "classification": "Locally Discretionary", "statutory_basis": "None", "supporting_quote": "None", "verification_method": "verbatim statute text", "litigation_status": "None identified", "local_additions": "The district's prior policy already contained a Subject Persons definition. This revision expands it to explicitly enumerate contractors, vendors, and other individuals who directly interact with students. No statute in the analysis requires or expressly authorizes this specific scope of definition. This is a local drafting and scope decision." }, { "element": "Replacing 'Teachers' with 'Subject Persons' throughout existing policy sections", "classification": "Locally Discretionary", "statutory_basis": "None", "supporting_quote": "None", "verification_method": "verbatim statute text", "litigation_status": "None identified", "local_additions": "The substitution of 'Subject Persons' for 'Teachers' throughout existing policy provisions is a local drafting choice to broaden the scope of coverage. No statute in the analysis requires or authorizes this terminology change." }, { "element": "Holidays or Commemorative Months — permissive acknowledgment conditioned on proclamation/legislative origin and TEKS alignment", "classification": "Locally Discretionary", "statutory_basis": "S.B. 12, 89th Tex. Leg., R.S. (2025) (Acts 2025, 89th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1125) — claimed but no supporting quote in statute analysis", "supporting_quote": "None — the statute analysis entry for S.B. 12 holiday/commemorative months provisions lists no verbatim supporting quote under requirements, prohibitions, or permissions", "verification_method": "verbatim statute text", "litigation_status": "Active — GSA Network et al. v. Morath, S.D. Tex. (Judge Eskridge); preliminary injunction granted Feb. 20, 2026 as to Sections 3, 7, 24, and 27 of S.B. 12 in Houston ISD, Katy ISD, and Plano ISD only; Conroe ISD not enjoined; ongoing litigation seeks statewide injunction", "local_additions": "Per the Grounding Rule, absent a verbatim supporting quote in the statute analysis, classified as Locally Discretionary. The two-condition structure (proclamation/legislative origin plus TEKS alignment) and the permissive 'may acknowledge or teach' framing are local implementation choices." }, { "element": "Certain Instructional Requirements and Prohibitions — existing CRT/race-sex stereotyping prohibitions expanded with new items (guidance/activities language, expanded emotional harm language, anti-American sentiments prohibition, CRT/SDI definition, private funding prohibition)", "classification": "Locally Discretionary", "statutory_basis": "H.B. 3979, 87th Tex. Leg., R.S. (2021); S.B. 12, 89th Tex. Leg., R.S. (2025) — both claimed but neither provides a supporting quote in statute analysis", "supporting_quote": "None — the statute analysis entries for H.B. 3979 and S.B. 12 each list no verbatim supporting quotes under requirements, prohibitions, or permissions for these provisions", "verification_method": "verbatim statute text", "litigation_status": "Active — GSA Network et al. v. Morath, S.D. Tex.; preliminary injunction granted Feb. 20, 2026 as to Sections 3, 7, 24, and 27 of S.B. 12 in Houston ISD, Katy ISD, and Plano ISD; Conroe ISD not enjoined", "local_additions": "The additions of 'provide guidance or activities, discuss, require an understanding' to the prohibition list; expansion of emotional harm language to 'discomfort, anguish, or guilt, or any other form of psychological distress'; new item i prohibiting 'unpatriotic or anti-American sentiments'; the definition of Critical Race Theory and Systemic Discrimination Ideologies; and the prohibition on private funding for curriculum development are all locally constructed expansions. Per the Grounding Rule, no verbatim statutory quote exists in the statute analysis to elevate any of these to Required by Law." }, { "element": "Student Lobbying for Course Credit — prohibition on requiring, grading, or crediting student lobbying, political activism, and social/public policy advocacy", "classification": "Locally Discretionary", "statutory_basis": "H.B. 3979, 87th Tex. Leg., R.S. (2021) (codified in TEC) — claimed but no supporting quote in statute analysis", "supporting_quote": "None — the statute analysis entry for H.B. 3979 lists no verbatim supporting quote under requirements, prohibitions, or permissions", "verification_method": "verbatim statute text", "litigation_status": "None identified", "local_additions": "Per the Grounding Rule, absent a verbatim supporting quote confirming mandatory statutory language in the statute analysis, classified as Locally Discretionary. The district incorporated language that may track H.B. 3979, but the record does not supply the required verbatim quote to establish legal compulsion." }, { "element": "Human Sexuality Instruction — written parental consent required before any human sexuality instruction may be provided", "classification": "Required by Law", "statutory_basis": "TEC §28.004(i-2) as enacted/re-enacted by S.B. 12 (89th Leg., R.S.)", "supporting_quote": "Before a student may be provided with human sexuality instruction, the school district must obtain the written consent of the student's parent.", "verification_method": "verbatim statute text", "litigation_status": "Active — GSA Network et al. v. Morath, S.D. Tex. (Judge Eskridge); preliminary injunction granted Feb. 20, 2026 as to Sections 3, 7, 24, and 27 of S.B. 12 in Houston ISD, Katy ISD, and Plano ISD. TEC §28.004(i-2) human sexuality consent provision was not identified among the enjoined sections. Conroe ISD is not an enjoined district. Required by statute, though enforcement of related S.B. 12 provisions is subject to ongoing litigation as of April 7, 2026.", "local_additions": "None for the core written consent requirement itself." }, { "element": "Human Sexuality Instruction — consent notice timing: policy states 30 days; statute requires 14 days", "classification": "Mixed", "statutory_basis": "TEC §28.004(i-2) as enacted/re-enacted by S.B. 12 (89th Leg., R.S.)", "supporting_quote": "must be provided to the parent not later than the 14th day before the date on which the human sexuality instruction begins", "verification_method": "verbatim statute text", "litigation_status": "Active — GSA Network et al. v. Morath, S.D. Tex.; preliminary injunction Feb. 20, 2026; Conroe ISD not enjoined. Required by statute as to the 14-day minimum, though enforcement of related S.B. 12 provisions is subject to ongoing litigation as of April 7, 2026.", "local_additions": "CRITICAL DISCREPANCY: The statute mandates notice no later than the 14th day before instruction begins. The policy states 'not later than the 30th day.' The 14-day floor is Required by Law. The extension to 30 days exceeds the statutory minimum and is a Locally Discretionary addition. This element is Mixed: the 14-day minimum is legally compelled; the 30-day period is a local policy choice." }, { "element": "Human Sexuality Instruction — consent request may not be bundled with other notifications or consent requests, except the §28.004(i-1) notice", "classification": "Required by Law", "statutory_basis": "TEC §28.004(i-2) as enacted/re-enacted by S.B. 12 (89th Leg., R.S.)", "supporting_quote": "may not be included with any other notification or request for written consent provided to the parent, other than the notice required by Subsection (i-1)", "verification_method": "verbatim statute text", "litigation_status": "Active — GSA Network et al. v. Morath, S.D. Tex.; preliminary injunction Feb. 20, 2026; Conroe ISD not enjoined. Required by statute, though enforcement of related S.B. 12 provisions is subject to ongoing litigation as of April 7, 2026.", "local_additions": "None for this specific prohibition." }, { "element": "Human Sexuality Instruction — ten-item consent form content requirements (curriculum summary, outside speakers, dates, S.B. 12 statement, 30-day confirmation, right to review, right to withhold, right to revoke, checkboxes, administrator contact)", "classification": "Locally Discretionary", "statutory_basis": "None", "supporting_quote": "None — the statute analysis provides no verbatim quote requiring any specific content items within the consent form", "verification_method": "verbatim statute text", "litigation_status": "Active — GSA Network et al. v. Morath, S.D. Tex.; preliminary injunction Feb. 20, 2026; Conroe ISD not enjoined.", "local_additions": "All ten enumerated consent form content elements are entirely locally designed operational choices to implement the statutory consent requirement. No statute in the analysis mandates this specific content structure." }, { "element": "Pornographic Material Prohibition — composite definition of pornographic material referencing Penal Code §43.24, TEC §33.021, Health & Safety Code §443.001, Board of Education v. Pico, and other sources", "classification": "Locally Discretionary", "statutory_basis": "Tex. Penal Code §43.24; TEC §33.021; Tex. Health & Safety Code §443.001 — cited but statute analysis lists no requirements, prohibitions, or permissions with supporting verbatim quotes for any of these entries", "supporting_quote": "None — the statute analysis entries for Tex. Penal Code §43.24, TEC §33.021, and Tex. Health & Safety Code §443.001 each list no requirements, prohibitions, or permissions with supporting verbatim quotes", "verification_method": "verbatim statute text", "litigation_status": "None identified", "local_additions": "The district constructed a composite, multi-source definition by cross-referencing several statutory definitions. Per the Grounding Rule, the definition and the possession/acquisition/purchase prohibition are locally discretionary. The incorporation of Board of Education v. Pico as a definitional source is a local choice to incorporate federal case law not grounded in any statute analysis entry." }, { "element": "Pornographic Material Prohibition — prohibition on Subject Persons instructing or training others to teach, support, or promote pornographic material; prohibition on including pornographic material in instructional or library materials unless required by law or TEKS", "classification": "Locally Discretionary", "statutory_basis": "None with supporting quote", "supporting_quote": "None", "verification_method": "verbatim statute text", "litigation_status": "None identified", "local_additions": "These prohibitions are local policy extensions. No statute in the analysis provides a verbatim quote establishing either prohibition as a legal requirement." }, { "element": "Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion — six-part definition of DEI duties (items 1–6 including hiring influence, differential treatment, race/sex stereotyping training, policies referencing protected characteristics, equity audits, and DEI offices/positions)", "classification": "Locally Discretionary", "statutory_basis": "S.B. 12, 89th Tex. Leg., R.S. (2025) (Acts 2025, 89th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1125); H.B. 3979, 87th Tex. Leg., R.S. (2021) — both claimed but neither provides a supporting quote in statute analysis", "supporting_quote": "None — the statute analysis entry for S.B. 12 DEI provisions and H.B. 3979 each list no verbatim supporting quotes under requirements, prohibitions, or permissions", "verification_method": "verbatim statute text", "litigation_status": "Active — GSA Network et al. v. Morath, S.D. Tex.; preliminary injunction granted Feb. 20, 2026 blocks the DEI Provision (Section 7 of S.B. 12) in Houston ISD, Katy ISD, and Plano ISD; Conroe ISD not enjoined. Required by statute as to Conroe ISD per enacted law, though enforcement subject to ongoing litigation as of April 7, 2026.", "local_additions": "Per the Grounding Rule, absent verbatim quotes in the statute analysis confirming mandatory language, classified as Locally Discretionary. Web search confirms S.B. 12 Section 7 and H.B. 3979 contain these provisions, but the statute analysis does not supply the required verbatim quotes." }, { "element": "Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion — Inclusion Statement prohibition: district may not compel, require, induce, or solicit any person to provide a DEI statement or give preferential consideration based on such a statement", "classification": "Locally Discretionary", "statutory_basis": "S.B. 12, 89th Tex. Leg., R.S. (2025) — claimed but no supporting quote in statute analysis", "supporting_quote": "None — statute analysis provides no verbatim quote for this provision", "verification_method": "verbatim statute text", "litigation_status": "Active — GSA Network et al. v. Morath, S.D. Tex.; preliminary injunction Feb. 20, 2026 (Sections 3, 7, 24, 27); Conroe ISD not enjoined.", "local_additions": "Per the Grounding Rule, absent a verbatim supporting quote in the statute analysis, classified as Locally Discretionary." }, { "element": "Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion — Prohibition: district may not assign DEI duties to any person; shall prohibit employees, contractors, and volunteers from engaging in DEI duties at, for, or on behalf of the district", "classification": "Locally Discretionary", "statutory_basis": "S.B. 12, 89th Tex. Leg., R.S. (2025) — claimed but no supporting quote in statute analysis", "supporting_quote": "None — statute analysis provides no verbatim quote for this provision", "verification_method": "verbatim statute text", "litigation_status": "Active — GSA Network et al. v. Morath, S.D. Tex.; preliminary injunction Feb. 20, 2026 blocks DEI Provision (Section 7) in Houston ISD, Katy ISD, and Plano ISD; Conroe ISD not enjoined.", "local_additions": "Per the Grounding Rule, classified as Locally Discretionary. Web search confirms S.B. 12 Section 7 contains this prohibition, but the statute analysis does not supply the required verbatim quote." }, { "element": "Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion — Contracting Clarification savings clause for historically underutilized businesses and minority/women-owned businesses", "classification": "Locally Discretionary", "statutory_basis": "None", "supporting_quote": "None", "verification_method": "verbatim statute text", "litigation_status": "None identified", "local_additions": "This is a locally chosen savings clause clarifying that HUB contracting is unaffected by the DEI prohibitions. No statute in the analysis requires or expressly authorizes this specific carve-out language in a local policy." }, { "element": "Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation — prohibition on Subject Persons providing instruction, guidance, activities, or programming regarding sexual orientation or gender identity to students PreK–12", "classification": "Locally Discretionary", "statutory_basis": "S.B. 12, 89th Tex. Leg., R.S. (2025) — claimed but no supporting quote in statute analysis", "supporting_quote": "None — statute analysis entry for S.B. 12 gender identity/sexual orientation prohibition lists no verbatim supporting quote under requirements, prohibitions, or permissions", "verification_method": "verbatim statute text", "litigation_status": "Active — GSA Network et al. v. Morath, S.D. Tex.; preliminary injunction granted Feb. 20, 2026 blocks the LGBT Curriculum Provision (Section 3 of S.B. 12) in Houston ISD, Katy ISD, and Plano ISD; Conroe ISD not enjoined. Web search confirms S.B. 12 Section 3 contains this prohibition, but the statute analysis does not supply the required verbatim quote.", "local_additions": "Per the Grounding Rule, absent a verbatim supporting quote in the statute analysis, classified as Locally Discretionary." }, { "element": "Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation — prohibition on use of district resources, funds, property, or personnel to adopt, support, or promote gender identity or sexual orientation", "classification": "Locally Discretionary", "statutory_basis": "S.B. 12, 89th Tex. Leg., R.S. (2025) — claimed but no supporting quote in statute analysis", "supporting_quote": "None", "verification_method": "verbatim statute text", "litigation_status": "Active — GSA Network et al. v. Morath, S.D. Tex.; preliminary injunction Feb. 20, 2026; Conroe ISD not enjoined.", "local_additions": "Per the Grounding Rule, classified as Locally Discretionary. The extension of the prohibition to 'District resource, funds, property, or personnel' is a local operational choice beyond any verified statutory mandate in the record." }, { "element": "Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation — three savings clauses (First Amendment student speech; mental/physical health services with parental consent; single-sex organizations without political/social agenda)", "classification": "Locally Discretionary", "statutory_basis": "S.B. 12, 89th Tex. Leg., R.S. (2025) — claimed but no supporting quote in statute analysis", "supporting_quote": "None", "verification_method": "verbatim statute text", "litigation_status": "Active — GSA Network et al. v. Morath, S.D. Tex.; preliminary injunction Feb. 20, 2026; Conroe ISD not enjoined.", "local_additions": "These locally incorporated carve-outs may track S.B. 12 language, but the statute analysis provides no verbatim quote. Per the Grounding Rule, classified as Locally Discretionary." }, { "element": "Social Transitioning — definition of social transitioning and prohibition on Subject Persons assisting a student with social transitioning including providing information or guidelines", "classification": "Locally Discretionary", "statutory_basis": "S.B. 12, 89th Tex. Leg., R.S. (2025) — claimed but no supporting quote in statute analysis", "supporting_quote": "None — statute analysis entry for S.B. 12 social transitioning provisions lists no verbatim supporting quote under requirements, prohibitions, or permissions", "verification_method": "verbatim statute text", "litigation_status": "Active — GSA Network et al. v. Morath, S.D. Tex.; preliminary injunction granted Feb. 20, 2026 blocks the Social Transition Provision (Section 24 of S.B. 12) in Houston ISD, Katy ISD, and Plano ISD; Conroe ISD not enjoined. Web search confirms S.B. 12 Section 24 contains this prohibition, but the statute analysis does not supply the required verbatim quote.", "local_additions": "Per the Grounding Rule, absent a verbatim supporting quote in the statute analysis confirming mandatory language, classified as Locally Discretionary." }, { "element": "Pronoun Usage — district shall prohibit use of pronoun identifiers inconsistent with biological sex of students or Subject Persons as listed on official records", "classification": "Locally Discretionary", "statutory_basis": "S.B. 12, 89th Tex. Leg., R.S. (2025) — claimed but no supporting quote in statute analysis", "supporting_quote": "None", "verification_method": "verbatim statute text", "litigation_status": "Active — GSA Network et al. v. Morath, S.D. Tex.; preliminary injunction granted Feb. 20, 2026 (Sections 3, 7, 24, 27); Conroe ISD not enjoined.", "local_additions": "Per the Grounding Rule, classified as Locally Discretionary. The update from prior permissive language ('will not promote, require or encourage') to mandatory language ('shall prohibit') is a local drafting choice to strengthen enforcement beyond any verified statutory mandate in the record." }, { "element": "Prohibited Terms — ban on use of 'Latinx'; required use of 'pedophile' instead of 'minor-attracted person'; characterization of pedophilia as abhorrent crime in instructional materials", "classification": "Locally Discretionary", "statutory_basis": "None", "supporting_quote": "None", "verification_method": "verbatim statute text", "litigation_status": "None identified", "local_additions": "Neither prohibited term restriction is grounded in any statute cited in the statute analysis. Both are entirely local policy choices made by the board with no statutory compulsion or express statutory authorization identified in the record." }, { "element": "Student First Amendment Rights — savings clause stating policy may not be construed to affect student First Amendment or Texas Constitution Art. I §8 rights", "classification": "Locally Discretionary", "statutory_basis": "None — First Amendment and Tex. Const. Art. I §8 are self-executing constitutional provisions, not statutes in the statute analysis", "supporting_quote": "None", "verification_method": "verbatim statute text", "litigation_status": "None identified", "local_additions": "Inclusion of an explicit constitutional savings clause in a local policy is a local drafting decision. The constitutional rights are not created by board action; the clause acknowledges them. Locally Discretionary as a policy element." }, { "element": "Student or Parent Concerns — social transitioning-specific mandatory board reporting to TEA Commissioner upon finding that a district employee assisted a student with social transitioning", "classification": "Locally Discretionary", "statutory_basis": "S.B. 12, 89th Tex. Leg., R.S. (2025) — claimed but no supporting quote in statute analysis", "supporting_quote": "None — statute analysis provides no verbatim quote confirming mandatory board reporting to Commissioner for social transitioning violations", "verification_method": "verbatim statute text", "litigation_status": "Active — GSA Network et al. v. Morath, S.D. Tex.; preliminary injunction Feb. 20, 2026; Conroe ISD not enjoined.", "local_additions": "Per the Grounding Rule, classified as Locally Discretionary. The board reporting obligation to the Commissioner may track S.B. 12 language, but the statute analysis provides no verbatim quote confirming the mandatory requirement." }, { "element": "Student or Parent Concerns — referral of all other grievances to complaint policies DGBA (Local), FNG (Local), and GF (Local)", "classification": "Locally Discretionary", "statutory_basis": "None", "supporting_quote": "None", "verification_method": "verbatim statute text", "litigation_status": "None identified", "local_additions": "Directing grievances to specific local complaint policies is an entirely local procedural decision. No statute in the analysis requires this specific routing." }, { "element": "Discipline for Violations — district employee knowing violations are cause for discipline including termination; Superintendent or designee may immediately terminate or remove non-employee Subject Persons", "classification": "Locally Discretionary", "statutory_basis": "None — cross-references DFAA, DFBA, DFCA, and CH Local for procedures", "supporting_quote": "None", "verification_method": "verbatim statute text", "litigation_status": "None identified", "local_additions": "The Discipline for Violations section is entirely locally constructed. While the district has general TEC authority to discipline employees, no statute in the analysis requires this specific policy provision or mandates the discipline structure chosen. The Superintendent's authority to immediately terminate non-employee Subject Persons is a local governance decision." }, { "element": "Policy Distribution — district shall make a copy of this policy available to all Subject Persons", "classification": "Locally Discretionary", "statutory_basis": "None", "supporting_quote": "None", "verification_method": "verbatim statute text", "litigation_status": "None identified", "local_additions": "No statute in the analysis requires distribution of this specific local policy to Subject Persons. This is a local implementation and notice decision." }, { "element": "Superintendent Authority — Superintendent shall develop procedures to ensure compliance; shall certify compliance to Board not later than February 1, 2026", "classification": "Mixed", "statutory_basis": "S.B. 12, 89th Tex. Leg., R.S. (2025) — compliance certification referenced; no supporting quote in statute analysis", "supporting_quote": "None — statute analysis lists no verbatim quote for superintendent compliance certification deadline or procedure-development mandate", "verification_method": "web search confirmed", "litigation_status": "Active — GSA Network et al. v. Morath, S.D. Tex.; preliminary injunction Feb. 20, 2026; Conroe ISD not enjoined. Web search confirms S.B. 12 mandates annual superintendent compliance certification, but the statute analysis does not supply the required verbatim quote.", "local_additions": "The February 1, 2026 certification deadline may track S.B. 12's statutory deadline, but per the Grounding Rule the statute analysis provides no verbatim quote to establish legal compulsion. The Superintendent's authority to develop internal compliance procedures is a locally discretionary operational choice in any event. Element is Mixed: certification obligation is likely Required by Law per enacted statute but is unverified under the Grounding Rule as applied to this record; the procedure-development authority is Locally Discretionary." } ] }, "compliance_summary": [ "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." ] }, { "date": "2025-09-16", "school_year": "2025-2026", "action": "first_reading", "result": "first_reading", "summary": "This comprehensive revision to Conroe ISD's EMB (Local) policy on Teaching About Controversial Issues expands the scope of regulated persons from \"teachers\" to broadly defined \"Subject Persons,\" adds multiple new sections addressing holidays/commemorative months, human sexuality instruction, pornographic material, diversity/equity/inclusion duties, social transitioning, prohibited terms, student First Amendment rights, discipline for violations, policy distribution, and superintendent authority — primarily driven by legislation from the 87th, 88th, and 89th Texas Legislative sessions including S.B. 12 and HB 3979. The revision also removes or replaces older language on gender fluidity, pronoun usage, and reporting requirements to align with updated Texas law.", "changes_added": [ "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/redefined at top of policy]", "Subject Persons shall not use the classroom to transmit personal beliefs regarding political or sectarian issues. [replacing 'Teachers']", "Subject Persons and sStudents shall ensure that, to the extent possible, discussions are conducted fairly and courteously. [replacing 'and educators']", "Unless required by state or federal law or the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills, Subject Persons shall not be compelled to discuss widely debated and currently controversial issues of public policy or social affairs.", "or it is required by state or federal law or the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills [added condition for discussing controversial topics]", "the Subject Person must explore that topic objectively and in a manner free from political bias. [replacing 'teacher']", "Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for that grade level [added to bullet 1 under controversial topics criteria]", "Holidays or Commemorative Months — 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, 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 — 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 — 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 written 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 — 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 — 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 — 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 — 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 — 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.", "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 to CRT/SDI section]", "discomfort, anguish, or any other form of psychological distress [added to item 1(e) under prohibited instructional content, replacing 'or guilt']", "Make unpatriotic or anti-American sentiments. [added as item 1(i) under prohibited instructional content]", "provide guidance or activities, discuss, require an understanding, [added to item 1 prohibited actions list]", "Gender Identity [replacing 'Fluidity' in section heading and definitions]", "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 — 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 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.", "Social Transitioning — 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 the use of pronoun identifiers for students, or any Subject Persons [replacing 'will not promote, require or encourage' and 'teachers or any other persons']", "Prohibited Terms — 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 — 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 [added to Student or Parent Concerns reporting trigger]", "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.", "Any other grievances or concerns under this Policy shall be directed to the complaint policy at DGBA (Local), FNG (Local), and GF (Local). [replacing prior language]", "Discipline for Violations — 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 — The District shall make available a copy of this policy to all District Subject Persons.", "Superintendent Authority — 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." ], "changes_removed": [ "Teachers shall not use the classroom to transmit personal beliefs regarding political or sectarian issues.", "Subject Persons and sStudents and educators shall ensure that, to the extent possible, discussions are conducted fairly and courteously.", "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. [original placement of definition, now moved]", "Teachers shall not be compelled to discuss widely debated and currently controversial issues of public policy or social affairs.", "a Subject Person-teacher chooses to discuss a topic described above [removing 'teacher' references throughout]", "the Subject Person-teacher must explore that topic objectively [removing 'teacher']", "Subject Persons teachers shall comply with the instructional requirements [removing 'teachers']", "the Subject Person-teacher shall be certain that [removing 'teacher']", "If a Subject Person-teacher is unsure about a topic [removing 'teacher']", "the Subject Person-teacher may discuss the issue with the principal [removing 'teacher']", "In guiding classroom discussion of controversial issues, Subject Persons teachers shall [removing 'teachers']", "or guilt [removed from item 1(e), replaced with broader language]", "its teachers, and administrators, or any third party [removed from Certain Instructional Requirements and Prohibitions section, replaced with 'Subject Persons']", "Gender Fluidity Identity and Sexual Orientation — 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. [entire original paragraph removed and replaced with new Prohibitions subsection]", "Fluidity [in section heading, replaced with 'Identity']", "will not promote, require or encourage [in Pronoun Usage section, replaced with 'shall prohibit']", "teachers or any other persons [in Pronoun Usage section, replaced with 'or any Subject Persons']", "A student or parent with concerns regarding instruction about controversial issues [in Student or Parent Concerns section, replaced with broader language]", "If the board determines that a district employee has violated this policy, the board shall immediately report the violation to the commissioner. [replaced with social transitioning-specific reporting language]", "gender fluidity and/or pronoun usage [in Student or Parent Concerns section, replaced with 'the social transitioning section of this']" ], "meeting_notes_url": "https://cisd-meetings.boardmonitor.app/meeting.html?id=2025-09-16_regular", "confidence": "high", "source_redline": "EMB_LOCAL.pdf", "notes": "This is a substantially rewritten policy (first reading). The redline is extensive — most of the document is new red-underlined text indicating new sections added in their entirety. Key structural changes include: broadening regulated persons from 'teachers' to 'Subject Persons'; adding entirely new sections on Holidays/Commemorative Months, Human Sexuality Instruction with detailed consent requirements, Pornographic Material Prohibition, DEI definitions and prohibitions, Social Transitioning, Prohibited Terms, Student First Amendment Rights, Discipline for Violations, Policy Distribution, and Superintendent Authority. Some color ambiguity existed in a few passages but context was clear. The 'Fluidity' to 'Identity' rename in the Gender section heading was captured. The Social and Emotional Learning section appears unchanged (black text) and was not included." }, { "date": "2025-07-15", "school_year": "2024-2025", "action": "adopted", "result": "adopted", "summary": "This update to Conroe ISD's EMB Local Policy significantly expands the district's controversial issues instructional policy by adding new sections based on 87th, 88th, and 89th Texas legislative sessions. Key additions include a definition of \"Subject Persons,\" prohibitions on teaching Critical Race Theory and related ideologies, restrictions on divisive Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) concepts, and new sections prohibiting instruction or promotion of Gender Fluidity and non-biological pronoun usage.", "changes_added": "[\"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 and (3) directly interact with District students.\", \"Teachers shall not be compelled to discuss widely debated and currently controversial issues of public policy or social affairs. However, in the event a teacher chooses to discuss a topic described above, the teacher must explore that topic objectively and in a manner free from political bias. In guiding classroom discussion of controversial issues, teachers shall comply with the instructional requirements and prohibitions imposed under Texas law and by the District.\", \"5. Avoid any attempt to coerce or persuade students to adopt the teacher's point of view.\", \"5. 6. Comply with the instructional requirements and prohibitions imposed under Texas law.\", \"Certain Instructional Requirements and Prohibitions [section heading]\", \"The District, including its teachers and administrators, shall not:\", \"1. Require, teach, make part of a course or training, or otherwise instruct any Subject Persons or students that: a. One race or sex is inherently superior to another race or sex; b. An individual, by virtue of the individual's race or sex, is inherently racist, sexist, or oppressive, whether consciously or unconsciously; c. An individual should be discriminated against or receive adverse treatment solely or partly because of the individual's race or sex; d. An individual's moral character, standing, or worth is partially or necessarily determined by the individual's race or sex; e. An individual, by virtue of the individual's race or sex, bears responsibility, blame, or guilt for actions committed by other members of the same race or sex; f. Meritocracy or traits such as a hard work ethic are racist or sexist or were created by members of a particular race or group to oppress members of another race or group; g. The delivery of slaves and the advent of slavery in the territory that is now the United States constituted the true founding of the United States; or h. With respect to their relationship to American values, slavery and racism are anything other than deviations from, betrayals of, or failures to live up to the authentic founding principles of the United States, which include liberty and equality;\", \"2. Teach, instruct, train, introduce, discuss or require an understanding of The 1619 Project, which began as a compilation of essays, poems, and other works originally published in The New York Times Magazine in August 2019 but has become the impetus for the development of resources, programs, and curricula for educators; or\", \"3. Teach, instruct, advocate, promote, or discuss any ideas, beliefs, concepts, theories, principles, rules, thoughts, or impressions that have any connection to, relationship with, refer to, are influenced by, or are otherwise consistent with so-called \"Critical Race Theory\" or systemic discrimination ideologies, including, but not limited to, those ideologies set forth in this section of this policy, as such ideologies have been understood, developed, taught, interpreted, defined/redefined by individuals, organizations, and others who have created, defined, redefined, interpreted, taught, instructed, advocated, promoted, or discussed or used to understand so-called \"Critical Race Theory\" or systemic discrimination ideologies. This subsection, along with subsection (1) and (2) above, shall be collectively referred to as \"Critical Race Theory or Systemic Discrimination Ideologies\" or \"CRT/SDI\"'.\", \"Social and Emotional Learning Concepts [section heading]\", \"Most traditional social and emotional learning (SEL) teachings are consistent with the District's general education goals, particularly concepts relating to the development of self-awareness, individualism, self-reliance, self-motivation, communication, conflict resolution, and interpersonal skills that are vital for academic, professional, and life success.\", \"However, some SEL concepts can be potentially divisive, conflict with District policy, and be inconsistent with the District's education goals. As such, 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 SEL concepts that are divisive, conflict with District policy, or are inconsistent with the District's education goals.\", \"For the avoidance of doubt, the District will continue to support and promote the following ideologies and concepts, which are generally consistent with the positive components of SEL and with the general educational goals of the state and District: individualism; a rejection of victimhood mentality; conflict resolution techniques; aspiration to serve as entrepreneurs and spiritual and community leaders; financial self-sufficiency; importance of the nuclear family; liberty, hard work and perseverance as the basis for a successful society; and the virtues of self-discipline, forgiveness, patience, kindness, determination, hope, thankfulness, reliability, honesty, industry and responsibility.\", \"Gender Fluidity [section heading]\", \"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.\", \"For purposes of this policy, \"Gender Fluidity\" means any belief, theory or ideology that: 1. Espouses the view that gender is merely a social construct; 2. Espouses the view that it is possible for a person to be any gender or none (i.e., non-binary); 3. Espouses the view that an individual's biological sex should attempt to be changed to \"match\" a gender different from that person's biological sex; and 4. Supports hormone therapy or other medical treatments or procedures to temporarily or permanently alter a person's body so that it \"matches\" a gender different from that person's biological sex.\", \"A Subject Person may not use, or permit others to use, any District resource, funds, property, or personnel to adopt, support, or promote Gender Fluidity as defined herein.\", \"Pronoun Usage [section heading]\", \"The District will not promote, require or encourage the use of pronoun identifiers for students, teachers or any other persons in any manner that is inconsistent with the biological sex of such person as listed on: 1. The student's official birth certificate; or 2. If the student's official birth certificate is unobtainable, another government-issued record.\", \"However, to the extent a student (with the written consent of such student's parent or legal guardian), parent or legal guardian has specifically, in writing, requested or directed the use of a specific pronoun for that particular student, a teacher or administrator interacting with the student may comply with such request.\", \"A Subject Person shall not be permitted to require or request a student to use a pronoun to refer to such Subject Person in a manner that is inconsistent with the biological sex of such Subject Person as listed on: 1. The Subject Person's official birth certificate; or 2. If the Subject Person's official birth certificate is unobtainable, another government-issued record.\", \"A parent of a student enrolled in the district or a district employee may report to the board of trustees a suspected violation of this gender fluidity and/or pronoun usage policy. The board shall investigate any suspected violation and determine whether the violation occurred. If the board determines that a district employee has violated this policy, the board shall immediately report the violation to the commissioner.\"]", "changes_removed": [ "A teacher selecting topics for discussion in the classroom shall be adequately informed about the issue and capable of providing instruction on the subject, free from personal bias." ], "confidence": "high", "source_redline": "EMB_LOCAL.pdf", "notes": "The cover page title reads \"Consider and Adopt Changes to Local Policies: EMB Miscellaneous Instructional Policies: Teaching About Controversial Issues,\" which maps to the 'adopted' action. Red underlined text is clearly distinguishable throughout. The word \"or\" replacing \"and\" in the Subject Persons definition (page 2) also appears to be a strikethrough/addition inline edit. The blue-highlighted text on page 5 (violation reporting paragraph) appears to be new added language as well, styled slightly differently but contextually new. All major additions are from HB 3979 (87th session), SB 123 (87th session), and SB 12 (89th session) as noted in the margin comments." } ], "timeline_legal": [], "policy_connect_url": "https://policyconnect.org/policy/conroe-isd/EMB" }