S.B. No. 1565 amends the Texas Education Code to enhance accountability and compliance regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies in public schools. It introduces a new section, 1.007, mandating that public elementary and secondary schools implement and adhere to all required DEI policies. Additionally, Section 11.005 is added to prohibit schools from engaging in DEI practices that affect hiring or promote differential treatment based on race, sex, or ethnicity, except as legally mandated. The bill also requires schools to establish disciplinary policies for employees who violate these provisions and modifies existing grievance procedures under Section 26.011, allowing parents to file grievances related to DEI violations.

Moreover, the bill introduces new sections, 26.0111 and 26.0112, detailing grievance procedures for unresolved issues, including hearings before a hearing examiner and potential testimony before the State Board of Education. It mandates that if a school district receives five grievances within a school year, the superintendent must testify about these findings. 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. Additionally, Section 48.013 requires superintendents to certify compliance with specific laws annually by September 30, with the bill's provisions taking effect in the 2025-2026 school year, unless a two-thirds vote for immediate effect is achieved.

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