According to the Texas attorney general, Pride Weeks break state laws now.
Ken Paxton has a history of attacking LGBT rights. The Austin Independent School District hosts a Pride Week celebration every year to highlight the district’s “commitment to creating a safe, supportive and inclusive environment," according to NPR. Paxton claims these celebrations are a “week-long instructional effort in human sexuality without parental consent.”
"The Texas Legislature has made it clear that when it comes to sex education, parents — not school districts — are in charge," he wrote in a letter to Stephanie Elizalde, the superintendent of the Austin Independent School District March 22.
Paxton added that parents can file complaints against the school district with the school board and the Texas Education Agency. Nevertheless, the school district said they will continue the events.
Elizalde released a statement March 24 noting that Pride Month takes place in June when schools are on summer break.
"Here at Austin ISD, we celebrate Pride during every school year so our LGBTQIA+ students know how much they are valued and loved,” she wrote. “This year, it's important to me personally that they know they are respected and safe, too, and lest anyone have any doubt, that absolutely goes for our trans kids. We are ALL Austin ISD. We embrace diversity."
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