A Texas school district has sparked controversy with a new policy requiring teachers to use pronouns that match students’ biological sex, regardless of their personal preferences or gender identity.
The Keller Independent School District (ISD) adopted the policy, which states that teachers must use pronouns corresponding to the gender listed on a student’s birth certificate. The policy also mandates that parents be notified if their child requests to use a different name or pronoun at school, and that parents must provide written permission for the school to use alternative names or pronouns.
The policy has been met with opposition from students, who argue that it prioritizes politics over student well-being. During a public comment session, high school senior Kennedy Schultz expressed her concerns, stating that the district is prioritizing “a political agenda” over the health and well-being of its students.
Another senior, Madison Hickman, was more blunt, calling the policy “hate.” She warned that the policy could create a hostile environment for vulnerable students, where “fear and isolation might just become the norm.”
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has also weighed in, sending a letter to the district expressing concerns that the policy is discriminatory. However, the school board voted to adopt the policy despite these concerns.
This is not the first time Keller ISD has found itself at the center of controversy. In 2022, the district removed dozens of books from school shelves for review, including the Bible. The move sparked outrage among some parents and students, who argued that the district was censoring certain viewpoints.
The new policy has reignited concerns about the district’s approach to issues of diversity and inclusion. Students and advocacy groups argue that the policy is a step backward for the district, and that it could have serious consequences for students who do not conform to traditional gender norms.
