Parents must be notified if a student wants to use a name or pronoun different from what is consistent with their birth certificate

A school district in Texas has adopted a new policy on student pronouns, requiring teachers to refer to students by pronouns consistent with their biological sex.

The Keller Independent School District’s revised policy states that educators must use pronouns consistent with the student’s birth certificate, even if the student prefers different pronouns.

Under this change, parents will also be informed if a student wants to use a name or pronoun different from what is shown on their birth certificate.

For a student to use a different name or pronoun, their parents must provide a written notification to the school.

The Keller Independent School District’s new policy changes require teachers to use pronouns consistent with the student’s birth certificate. (iStock)

Before these recent changes, the district’s policy indicated that educators were not to promote or require the use of pronouns inconsistent with a student’s biological sex.

This decision comes amid a national debate on whether students should be allowed to be called by their preferred names and pronouns without their parents’ knowledge. Last year, Katy ISD in Texas passed a similar policy requiring parental notification.

In some Republican-led states, legislation has been introduced to ensure that parents are informed if their child wants to use a different name or pronoun, emphasizing parental rights. In contrast, some Democrat-led states oppose such measures, arguing that it could harm LGBTQ+ students.

The American Civil Liberties Union sent a letter to the district stating their concerns about the policies, which they believe are unlawful and discriminatory.

Despite the concerns, the board unanimously approved the new policies.

Parents must be notified if a student wants to use a name or pronoun different from what is shown on their birth certificate. (iStock)

Several students and parents voiced their criticism of the district’s new policy during the public comment section of a recent school board meeting.

“Every day I walk into a school and my peers and I are suffering. It feels like the school district is focusing more on budget cuts and political agendas over student well-being,” said Keller ISD senior Kennedy Schultz.

Another senior, Madison Hickman, addressed school officials: “You’ve created an environment where fear and isolation might become the norm for our most vulnerable students. I hope this is the community you’re striving for, one where conformity is valued over compassion. Hate is not a Keller ISD value.”

Parent Mary Anne Weatherred, whose teenagers attend the district’s schools, expressed her concern that a child could be “outed” and face challenges with unsupportive parents.

Several students and parents criticized the district’s new policy. (ALLISON DINNER/AFP via Getty Images)

“Not everyone’s families are the same and not all families will accept kids exploring their gender identity. This could make home life difficult for some students,” Weatherred said. “They see school as a space where they can use a different name, a different pronoun, and figure out who they are.”

However, another parent, Marissa Bryce, mentioned that while she understands the concerns regarding the policy change, she supports it.

“I think it’s a good starting point. Parents need to be aware of what’s happening at school and what their kids are thinking,” Bryce said.