After months of debate, Texas Senate Bill 12 (SB 12) passed June 20, and it reinforces parental rights within education, including by requiring consent for participation in school club activities and banning diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) clubs and programs. Texas Senator Brandon Creighton introduced the bill in February, and Gov. Greg Abbott signed it into law, taking effect on Sept. 1 of this year.
To clarify which clubs will be continuing this school year, Prosper High administrators hosted a club symposium, which took place Sept. 12 during advisory time.
“The event went really well,” Creative Writing club vice president Hassan Sarfaraz said. “It was a great way to bring exposure to the amazing clubs at our school while also giving students a clear-cut list of which ones are available to join.”
Hosting a symposium is one of the many ways that the school aids students to adjust to the new rules. Following the bill’s guidelines, Prosper Independent School District administrators made it clear that the required changes will be implemented this year.
A significant section of Senate Bill 12 also includes how it affects nursing practices in schools. The bill states that a student must have a consent form signed in order for nurses to provide “routine health and counseling services,” including even administering a band-aid.
“So, Prosper ISD actually requires parents to sign a consent form at the beginning of each year so that we can provide the best care for every one of our students,” area service nurse Kassandra Gauna said. “I think it’s truly necessary to get rid of the stigma surrounding the bill. Of course, nurses (can) provide care, we have a great healthcare program, and that’s part of the reason why Prosper ISD health service is sort of the end-all, be-all in our region.”
Not only has parental consent been required for healthcare services, it has also been emphasized amidst the various clubs that Prosper has to offer.
“The only difference, really, from last year is that now students need to have a consent form signed before joining any club,” Principal Trujillo said. “Of course, we still want students to be connected to what they’re interested in while also, you know, following the bill.”
Prosper High School still offers almost all of the clubs that they offered last year, with over 65 clubs to choose from, including Career and Technical Student Organizations such as DECA, HOSA and others that can be found on the Prosper ISD list of clubs and organizations. These clubs were displayed during Prosper’s club symposium which took place during advisory on Sept. 12. However, some clubs that were based on DEI factors were promptly removed from the Prosper ISD list of clubs and organizations.
“I think that restricting DEI clubs kind of also restricts students from expressing themselves in whichever way they choose,” DECA president Tanish Chauhan said. “I just don’t see the point.”
While controversies have stemmed from the passing of the bill, the emphasis on security has been displayed state-wide. By making decisions based on the SB 12, Trujillo said she will focus on the safety of the school, and her students.
“My message to students is the same as what it’s always been,” Trujillo said. “Come to school, be involved, have fun, but also be about your learning, and just know that we’re here for your safety.”
This article was edited by Emily Logan, Polly Greaves and Victoria Byers.
