S.B. No. 1565 amends the Texas Education Code to enhance accountability for school districts and charter schools regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies. The bill prohibits schools from assigning DEI duties that could influence hiring practices based on race, sex, or ethnicity, and it bars differential treatment based on these characteristics. Additionally, it requires schools to implement disciplinary policies for employees who violate these provisions. A new local grievance procedure is established, allowing parents to address grievances related to DEI violations, with specific timelines for submission and response, and a process for unresolved grievances to be heard by a hearing examiner.

The bill also introduces a new section, 26.0112, which mandates that if a hearing examiner finds against a school district in five grievances within a school year, the district's superintendent must testify before the State Board of Education. Furthermore, Section 28.0022 is amended to clarify that it does not create a private cause of action against school employees while requiring districts to adopt disciplinary policies for violations. Additionally, Section 48.013 requires superintendents to certify compliance with certain laws annually by September 30, with school board approval. The provisions of the bill are set to take effect starting with the 2025-2026 school year, with some sections effective on September 1, 2025, unless a two-thirds vote is obtained for immediate effect.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Education Code 12.104, Education Code 26.011, Education Code 28.0022 (Education Code 12, Education Code 26, Education Code 28)