The Cy-Fair ISD board meeting Monday night was focused on the newly approved gender policy, as they discussed its implications outlined in the district’s “Parent Rights and Responsibilities” document.
The Cy-Fair ISD board addressed the policy, which requires staff to notify parents if a student requests to change their gender identity at school.
The policy came up again for a final vote and was approved again, but not before several people spoke out against the policy.
The policy, which already sparked significant debate, features provisions including parental notification for changes in pronouns or gender identity, maintaining gender-segregated facilities based on biological sex, restricting transgender students’ participation in sports to their biological sex, and banning gender identity topics from district materials unless approved.
BACKGROUND: Cy-Fair ISD approves policy requiring staff to notify parents about child’s gender identity
It also emphasizes parental authority, defining a parent as someone listed as a legal guardian in district records. It underscores that a person’s biological sex is determined by their birth certificate, barring clerical errors. The policy challenges ideologies that view gender as a social construct or advocate for medical interventions to alter a person’s biological sex.
Key provisions include maintaining gender-segregated facilities, such as restrooms and locker rooms, based on biological sex. The policy also restricts participation in sports to the student’s biological sex, with limited exceptions for female students if no corresponding competition is available.
According to the document, the district will not diagnose or treat gender dysphoria, leaving such decisions to parents. If a student or parent requests specific pronouns, district staff will collaborate with both parties to create a written accommodation plan. However, if a staff member’s beliefs conflict with the accommodation, they may seek a reasonable adjustment through Human Resources.
Additionally, the policy prohibits the inclusion of gender identity or fluidity topics in district materials and requires parental consent for student surveys. Any instructional materials must comply with district standards, and staff are barred from directing students to unapproved online resources related to gender identity.
Monday night comments
At the last board meeting, students showed up in droves to oppose the policy and on Monday night, they were back out at the board meeting again.
“We’re making signs to like, let our voices be heard and to let all the other trans kids know they are heard,” one student said.
One student expressed concern that kids who come out as transgender may be in danger if parents who may not be accepting or react well to the news are told.
“Most trans kids, especially in my school, they don’t have a very good home life, so if their parents found out they were trans they would more than likely be kicked out and other issues that I don’t know if I’m allowed to name on news,” said Olivia Penrod.
While the board did address students concerns about safety at home with unaccepting parents, they promised that staff members will treat those situations delicately to ensure the students safety isn’t compromised.
Previous developments
In a previous board meeting, Cy-Fair ISD approved a controversial policy requiring staff to notify parents if a student requests to change their gender identity at school. This decision was made with four board members voting in favor, one against, and one abstaining.
The policy includes key provisions such as parental notification for changes in pronouns or gender identity, maintaining gender-segregated facilities, restricting transgender students’ sports participation to their biological sex, and excluding gender identity topics from district materials unless approved.
Community response has been divided. Advocates for the policy emphasize transparency and parental rights, while opponents express concern for the safety and well-being of transgender students.
During a previous meeting, 34 individuals signed up to speak. Some argued that the policy could endanger transgender students, while others supported it as a means of ensuring parental involvement.
Students and community members have voiced their concerns, with some planning to file a civil rights complaint with the Department of Health and Human Services in hopes of reversing the board’s decision. Advocacy groups like Students Engaged in Advancing Texas (SEAT) have actively opposed the policy, calling it “comprehensive anti-transgender” and urging local students and supporters to speak out against it.
The policy is similar to one adopted by Katy ISD in 2023, which has also faced controversy and legal challenges.
