Republican Texas Governor Greg Abbott on Monday signed several bills aimed at empowering parents.
The four parent rights bills passed by the Texas legislature give parents access to classroom materials, remove inappropriate books from school libraries, help students with special needs, and allow parents to buy their own books. It is meant to help parents decide whether to repeat a grade for their child. press release On Governor Abbott’s website. (Related: Governor DeSantis Signs ‘Parental Rights’ Bill)
Our schools are for education, not for indoctrination.
Parents have the right to access curricula, school libraries and what their children are taught.
Today I signed four bills to fulfill that promise.
A great start, but there is still work to be done. pic.twitter.com/rVY4VqzL0v
— Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) June 12, 2023
“Today, I will sign four bills that will give parents more rights in their children’s education. It will improve our curriculum to the next level,” Abbott said in a press release.
The Texas ACLU criticized one of the bills, claiming it would “ban books on LGBTQIA+, black and brown experiences in public schools.”
BREAKING: Gov. Abbott Signs #HB900 This will ban books on LGBTQIA+, black and brown experiences in public schools.
Lawmakers have no right to deprive Texas students of their freedom to read just because they believe certain people aren’t worth reading about.
— ACLU, Texas (@ACLUTx) June 12, 2023
“Let me be clear, we’re not done yet,” Abbott said before signing the bill. “Everyone knows that in addition to the legal changes I am about to sign, we have to deliver on our promise to parents to help them choose the best course of study for their children.”
Bill SB 8, which would establish an education savings account for every Texas family, had failed to pass the state legislature by May 30. deadline. Abbott backed the original bill that passed the state Senate, but threatened to veto a watered-down House bill that would only offer vouchers to about 800,000 people. student.
