Mega Doctor News
Mega Doctor News
Austin Independent School District (AISD) has issued a formal notice to vendors and contractors outlining its obligations under Texas Senate Bill 12, a new state law that takes effect on September 1, 2025. The legislation restricts public school districts from engaging in or promoting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives unless such actions are explicitly required by state or federal law.
In a statement to vendors, AISD wrote that it has “a duty to ensure that AISD staff and contractors understand the legal boundaries surrounding DEI-related practices, as well as the disciplinary procedures for violations.” The district added that it remains committed to “honoring student rights, upholding academic standards, contracting with historically underutilized businesses, and fostering an inclusive learning environment within the limits of the law.”
Under Senate Bill 12, school districts are prohibited from “assigning DEI duties to any person and from engaging in or promoting DEI activities unless required by state or federal law.” The law specifically bans activities such as “influencing hiring practices based on race, sex, color, or ethnicity,” “promoting differential treatment,” and “developing or implementing policies, procedures, trainings, activities, or programs that reference race, color, ethnicity, gender identity, or sexual orientation.” The prohibition also extends to “compelling, inducing, or soliciting anyone to provide a DEI statement.”
The new statute further mandates that school districts “adopt policies and procedures for disciplining employees or contractors, including termination, who intentionally or knowingly engage in or assign DEI-related duties.” AISD stated that these policies must guarantee “adequate due process and an opportunity to appeal disciplinary actions.” Physical and electronic copies of the policy will be distributed to all employees and contractors once finalized.
While the law limits DEI-related initiatives, it clarifies that several practices remain permissible. Districts may continue “contracting with historically underutilized businesses,” “acknowledging or teaching the significance of state and federal holidays or commemorative months,” and addressing “unlawful discriminatory practices necessary to address achievement gaps.” The statute also specifies that it does not “affect a student’s First Amendment rights,” nor does it restrict classroom instruction aligned with the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) standards, or data collection and student club activities.
By sharing these new guidelines, AISD seeks to balance legal compliance with its ongoing commitment to inclusion. As the district emphasized, it will “foster an inclusive learning environment within the limits of the law,” even as it adjusts its policies to align with the state’s new legislative requirements.
