Beginning Sept. 1 a slew of new laws go into effect in Texas affecting public schools. The laws affect everything from personal electronics to library materials, and have students feeling very opinionated.
After the regular session concluded on June 2, Governor Greg Abbott had until June 22 to veto or sign more than 600 bills into effect. Included in these wide-ranging bills is oversight into many controversial aspects of schooling such as cell phone usage, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), and the impact of religion in schools. These changes have many students wondering how their future will look.
“It feels like we’re going back in time,” said junior Lily Allen. “It’s not supposed to be the 1800s. We’re losing so many rights.”
These laws, specifically those concerning Christianity in schools, have many students wondering about the legality of these laws. Beginning Sept. 1, teachers must display a poster of the ten commandments in each classroom.
“I feel like religion should not be in law or schools or the government,” said junior Jasmeet Shergill. “What about other religions or people that are atheist?”
The new laws don’t only affect personal conduct, but also clubs and organizations. Parents now must approve student participation in clubs before students can attend.
“I think the club law is really impacting Business Professionals of America (BPA) because students have to get parent approval before they can even attend,” said junior Nathan Jacob. “They should be able to try it out beforehand. How are you going to approve something you’re not even sure if you’re interested in?”
On the bright side, these changes are showcasing the adaptation and flexibility of each and every Raider. With most classes having to adapt to new rules, innovation and transformation is everywhere. For example, no phones to photograph with has heavily impacted art classes.
“The cellphone ban affects art in an unusual way because we can’t take reference photos,” said AP Art teacher Jennifer Thompson. “A lot of kids use cellphones for digital drawing and we can’t take pictures of art for portfolios to enter in contests. So, we need to find iPads to do it all with.”
Some laws, like the personal electronic ban, are already in effect. However some, such as the changes to prayer in schools, go into effect September 1. Be on the lookout for these changes around campus and be sure to be in compliance.
