FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 20, 2026
CONTACT:
Kristi Gross, ACLU of Texas, [email protected]
Sue Yacka-Bible, Transgender Law Center, [email protected]
Celina Fernando, Genders and Sexualities Alliance Network, [email protected]
Cameron Samuels, Students Engaged in Advancing Texas, [email protected]
Marco Guajardo, Texas AFT, [email protected]
Federal Court Halts Enforcement of Key Provisions of Law Censoring Identity and Inclusion in K-12 Schools in Three Texas School Districts
HOUSTON — A U.S. district judge today granted a preliminary injunction blocking the enforcement of key aspects of Senate Bill 12 in Houston ISD, Katy ISD, and Plano ISD until the case is fully resolved and issued an opinion explaining its reasoning. The court ordered that the districts are “enjoined from implementing policies pursuant to Sections 3, 7, 24, and 27 of S.B. 12, or otherwise enforcing those provisions, during the pendency of this litigation.”
The American Civil Liberties Union of Texas (ACLU of Texas), Transgender Law Center (TLC), and Baker McKenzie filed the lawsuit in August on behalf of the Genders & Sexualities Alliance (GSA) Network, Students Engaged in Advancing Texas (SEAT), Texas American Federation of Teachers (AFT), a teacher, and two students with the support of their parents.
S.B. 12 is a sweeping law that bans programs and discussions relating to race, gender identity, and sexual orientation in all public and charter schools in Texas from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. The law censors a wide range of activities that foster inclusion and promote equal opportunity, including:
- Events celebrating Black, Latine, Asian, and Indigenous history;
- Trainings on cultural awareness and inclusion;
- Critical conversations between students, parents, and educators about topics relating to race, gender identity, and sexual orientation;
- School-sponsored activities and field trips relating to race, gender identity, or sexual orientation.
Other components of S.B. 12 threatened the safety and privacy of transgender and nonbinary students in Texas schools by making it harder for educators to support those students. The law entirely bans Genders & Sexualities Alliances clubs (formerly known as Gay-Straight Alliances), which foster a safe, welcoming, and accepting on-campus school environment for all students, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
While the plaintiffs asked the court to block enforcement of S.B. 12’s challenged provisions statewide, the district court found that the Texas Education Association (TEA) Commissioner had not yet taken action to enforce this law and dismissed him for now as a defendant. The current preliminary injunction, therefore, only applies to Houston ISD, Katy ISD, and Plano ISD, although the court advised that all school districts in Texas “remain obligated to comply first and foremost with federal law, even when doing so requires disregarding contrary state directives.”
Legal Team Quotes:
“This is a critical victory amidst a surge of state-sponsored discrimination and censorship of vital conversations about race, gender identity, and sexual orientation,” said Brian Klosterboer (he/him), senior staff attorney at the ACLU of Texas. “As we continue challenging these harmful provisions of S.B. 12, we will continue advocating for the rights of every student, parent, and educator in Texas to be able to live and speak freely, authentically, and safely in and surrounding K-12 schools.”
“This win affirms that every young person, no matter their background, should have the freedom to learn about themselves and the wide range of identities of their peers,” said Dale Melchert (he/they), senior staff attorney at the Transgender Law Center. “Students in these districts can once again join GSA clubs, learn about and discuss various histories and cultures, and critically—have their identities, including usage of the correct names and pronouns respected by their teachers. We will keep fighting for schools that are safe, inclusive, and welcoming for all.”
Plaintiff Quotes:
“This win is bigger than me, it’s a win for all trans students, and students from all backgrounds in my district,” said Adrian Moore (he/him), student in Katy ISD. “Schools should be places where all students feel safe and supported. I hope this lawsuit sends the message that when the LGBTQIA+ community and our allies work in solidarity, we can make a difference.”
“This ruling is evidence that justice can sometimes prevail, that speaking up matters, and that it can have a positive impact in the broader community,” said Julie Johnson (she/her), parent of Katy ISD student. “In a world that feels like basic human dignity is no longer a given right, it means something to my child that their voice was heard. In the weeks to come, Adrian will have a name at school. He will no longer be referred to by only his last name, while other students are referred to on a first-name basis. I will see my child’s name listed on programs and playbills at school events. My child will be seen and recognized as the worthy human being he is.”
“As a movement of students across Texas, SEAT applauds the court’s ruling,” said Cameron Samuels (they/them), executive director for SEAT. “Diversity, equity, and inclusion mean students have a seat at the table. When students enter their classrooms each day, they deserve a safe and welcoming school environment. While cruel policies like S. B. 12 have harmed students for years, today’s ruling reminds us that queer and trans students’ resilience and joy are here to stay – and we won’t stop fighting until all Texas students are guaranteed safe and welcoming school environments.”
“Today’s decision strengthens Texan trans, queer and Two Spirit youth’s right to gather, build connection and safely exist in their schools. Genders & Sexualities Alliance clubs have a long-standing history of being a connective resource impacting young people’s experiences in their learning environments,” said J. Gia Loving (she/hers), and Maya LaFlamme (she/hers), co-executive directors at Genders & Sexualities Alliance Network. “GSAs enable students with the skills to build confidence through leadership roles, create spaces of belonging for their peers, and advocate for justice. While this is one battle won, our efforts to protect students’ right to safe, inclusive learning spaces and communities will continue. Today and every day, GSAs are here to stay!”
“S.B. 12 is a discriminatory law that should have never passed in the first place and is emblematic of a state leadership that is more interested in fighting culture wars than helping our students succeed,” said Zeph Capo (he/him), President of Texas AFT. Texas AFT will continue to stand up for our pre-K-12 educators and students and fight these senseless attacks on diversity and inclusion.
Access the preliminary injunction here:
https://www.aclutx.org/app/uploads/2026/02/0090.-02-20-2026-PRELIMINARY-INJUNCTION-Signed-by-Judge-Charles-Eskridge-Parties-notified.-jmg4-1.pdf
Access the judge’s opinion here:
https://www.aclutx.org/app/uploads/2026/02/0089.-02-20-2026-OPINION-AND-ORDER-DISMISSING-COMMISSIONER-OF-TEXAS-EDUCATION-AGENCY-AND-GRANTING-PRELIMINARY-INJUNCT-1.pdf
For more information about students’ rights in Texas, visit: https://www.aclutx.org/students.
To start a GSA, get support organizing in your school or registering an existing club, go to gsanetwork.org/gsa-registration/ or email [email protected].
If you or someone you know needs mental health resources or support, visit:
- Trans Lifeline at (877) 565-8860 or https://www.translifeline.org
- Trevor Project at 866-488-7386 or https://www.thetrevorproject.org/
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