A Texas public school district, Keller Independent School District (ISD), has implemented a policy that mandates the use of pronouns matching students’ biological sex, as listed on their birth certificates, regardless of the students’ pronoun preferences or gender identity.
The policy, which has sparked considerable controversy, also requires that parents be notified if their child requests to be addressed by a different name or pronoun at school. Furthermore, parents must provide written consent for any such changes to be acknowledged by school staff.
The policy has faced strong opposition from students and advocacy groups. During a public comment session, Kennedy Schultz, a high school senior, criticized the district for prioritizing what she called “a political agenda” over the well-being of students.
Another senior, Madison Hickman, described the policy as promoting an atmosphere of “fear and isolation,” arguing that it undermines the values of compassion and inclusion.
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) also expressed concerns, sending a letter to the district warning that the policy could be seen as discriminatory. Despite this, the Keller ISD board moved forward with the policy.
Keller ISD has previously been at the center of controversy, notably in 2022 when it temporarily removed dozens of books from school shelves for review, including the Bible. The district’s actions reflect ongoing debates about gender identity, free speech, and parental rights in education.