The Texas Education Agency released new guidance outlining penalties for student walkouts and political activism that disrupts learning during the school day.
TEXAS, USA — The Texas Education Agency has released new guidance for school districts across the state outlining how student walkouts and political activism during the school day should be handled, and the possible consequences for students, educators, and school systems.
The guidance, issued Tuesday, follows a directive from Greg Abbott calling for investigations into what the state describes as inappropriate political activism that disrupts classroom learning in Texas public schools.
According to the agency, students who participate in walkouts must be marked absent, and districts could lose daily attendance funding if they allow or encourage students to leave class. The guidance also states that teachers who facilitate walkouts could face investigations and possible disciplinary action, including the revocation of their teaching licenses.
School systems that allow or support walkouts may also be subject to investigation by the state, which could result in oversight measures such as the appointment of a monitor, conservator, or board of managers.
TEA officials said the guidance is meant to reinforce existing state law, which prohibits school districts from supporting or opposing political activism that disrupts instruction during the school day, including the use of taxpayer-funded resources. Certified educators are also prohibited from encouraging students to leave class or school activities for political purposes and remain subject to the Educator Code of Ethics and local employment policies.
If violations are found, cases involving educators may be referred to the State Board for Educator Certification, which has the authority to pursue sanctions.
The agency says anyone with concerns that cannot be resolved through a local school grievance process may file a complaint directly with TEA, which will investigate and take action if state law has been violated.
The guidance comes as student-led walkouts and demonstrations have drawn increased attention statewide, prompting renewed debate over student expression and the limits placed on political activity during the school day.
View the agency’s guidance issued to school systems:District Attendance Policies, Complaints and Educator Responsibilities