Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has launched investigations into Dallas, Manor, and North East Independent School Districts. These probes focus on student walkouts that occurred this month to protest federal immigration policy. This action follows a similar investigation into Austin ISD last month.
The Attorney General alleges that officials in these districts did not take sufficient steps to prevent students from leaving campus during school hours. This move marks an escalation in the ongoing tension between student activists and state leaders regarding immigration enforcement and protest actions.
Key Takeaways
- Texas AG Ken Paxton is investigating Dallas, Manor, and North East ISDs over student walkouts.
- The investigation centers on whether districts facilitated these protests against federal immigration policy.
- Districts must provide records on unexcused absences and internal communications about the walkouts.
- State officials, including Governor Abbott, have warned of consequences for districts and students involved in walkouts.
State Scrutiny on School Districts
Attorney General Paxton's office announced the investigations on Monday. He specifically cited Dallas ISD, Manor ISD, and North East ISD. These districts are now under scrutiny for their handling of recent student demonstrations. Paxton's office previously opened an investigation into Austin ISD for similar reasons.
Students in these districts participated in walkouts this month. Their actions protested federal immigration policies. These protests reflect a growing movement among young people to voice their concerns about immigration enforcement.
Fact: Previous Warnings
Governor Greg Abbott and Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath issued warnings before these walkouts. They threatened crackdowns on districts that appeared to facilitate student protests.
Demands for Records and Policy Details
As part of the investigation, Attorney General Paxton is demanding extensive records from the three school districts. These requests include documentation of policies that allow students to leave campus during the school day. They also cover policies related to unexcused absences.
Furthermore, Paxton's office seeks all internal communications regarding the student walkouts. This broad request aims to understand how district officials communicated and acted before and during the protests.
"I will not allow Texas schools to become breeding grounds for the radical Left’s open borders agenda," Paxton said in a news release. "Let this serve as a warning to any public school official or employee who unlawfully facilitates student participation in protests targeting our heroic law enforcement officers: my office will use every legal tool available to hold you accountable."
Student Protests Across Texas
Thousands of students across Texas have participated in walkouts over the past few weeks. These demonstrations specifically target the activities of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
On February 10, students at several Dallas ISD campuses staged walkouts during their lunch hours. These campuses included Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts, Yvonne A. Ewell Townview Center, and W.T. White High School. At Townview, students rallied in front of the building, holding anti-ICE banners and chanting slogans.
Students from Booker T. Washington High School marched to nearby Klyde Warren Park. They held a demonstration there. Other Dallas ISD campuses saw similar protests later that week.
Context: TEA Guidance
On February 3, the Texas Education Agency (TEA) released new guidance. It advised school leaders that districts facilitating walkouts could face investigations. This could potentially lead to a state takeover. The agency did not provide clear definitions of what constitutes "facilitation."
State Officials Issue Warnings
The student demonstrations occurred after clear warnings from state officials. Governor Greg Abbott and Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath had threatened consequences for districts where walkouts took place.
TEA officials also reminded schools that students who walk out must receive unexcused absences. This policy could impact district funding, which is often tied to attendance rates. During a news conference, Governor Abbott reiterated the state's stance.
"The Supreme Court has been very clear about free speech of students," Abbott said. "And that free speech of students does not include leaving the school."
This statement underscores the state's position that while students have free speech rights, these rights do not extend to unauthorized departures from school during instructional time.
District Responses to the Investigations
Dallas ISD officials did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding the investigation. However, other districts have issued statements.
Manor ISD, located northeast of Austin, expressed confidence in their actions. In an emailed statement, Manor ISD officials said they believe Paxton's investigation will show no wrongdoing.
"Manor ISD is aware of the Attorney General’s announcement regarding an investigation related to student walkouts that occurred on our campuses and is confident the review will show that staff followed district procedures and Texas Education Agency guidance, including ensuring attendance guidelines were followed and keeping student safety as the top priority during the days the walkouts occurred," Manor ISD officials stated.
North East ISD, based in San Antonio, confirmed that Paxton's investigation primarily targets Churchill High School. The district is complying with the attorney general's request. They are providing documents for other campuses as well.
Before the walkouts, North East ISD officials reminded teachers and staff to maintain professional neutrality. They instructed staff not to encourage or discourage student participation in the protests. This emphasizes the delicate balance districts must strike between student rights and state directives.
The Broader Implications
These investigations highlight a significant clash between student activism, local school autonomy, and state government oversight. The Attorney General's actions signal a firm stance against what he perceives as a radical agenda.
School districts now face the challenge of navigating these demands while ensuring student safety and adhering to educational guidelines. The outcome of these investigations could set precedents for how future student protests are handled across Texas.
- Student Rights: The debate involves the scope of student free speech rights within public schools.
- District Autonomy: Questions arise about how much control local school districts have over student activities versus state mandates.
- Political Climate: The investigations reflect the broader political climate surrounding immigration policy in Texas and the nation.
The legal tools available to the Attorney General could lead to significant consequences for districts found to have violated state guidelines. This situation creates a complex landscape for educators and administrators throughout Texas.
