Three Texas school districts are now at the center of a new investigation launched by Attorney General Ken Paxton. Paxton alleges the districts failed to keep students safe and accountable while they exercised their First Amendment rights during recent immigration enforcement protests.
“I will not allow Texas schools to become breeding grounds for the radical Left’s open borders agenda,” said Attorney General Ken Paxton. “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.”
Northeast Independent School District in San Antonio, Dallas ISD, and Manor ISD are all named in the investigation. Paxton says he’s concerned the districts may have “orchestrated” the protests.
“It appears that these ISDs have taken little to no action to ensure the safety of students and to stop large-scale interruptions of classroom instructional time,” Paxton said in a press release.
Paxton is demanding that each district turn over documents outlining policies on students leaving campus, excused absences, and security protocols. He’s also seeking internal communications related to the protests. The Attorney General’s Office says it will examine the use of public funds and whether any laws were broken.
Protests have erupted across the nation after two American citizens were killed by ICE agents in Minnesota. While the Trump administration says these enforcement actions are necessary to protect national security and public safety, a new PBS poll found 65% of Americans believe ICE has gone too far in enforcing immigration laws and say they actually feel less safe because of ICE operations.
KPRC 2 has reached out to each district named in the investigation. Their responses are below.
NORTH EAST INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT:
We are aware of the Attorney General’s investigation, which is focused on Churchill High School. We are fully cooperating and gathering documentation to provide to the AG’s Office. In fact, in the spirit of transparency, we are providing additional documentation for other schools as well. NEISD gave guidance to staff before the TEA issued its guidance and it was substantially similar. Staff was informed to follow our policies which dictate that their role is to supervise students, maintain a safe learning environment, and remain professionally neutral. Staff was reminded to not encourage, endorse, discourage, or attempt to persuade students about participating in a walkout or protest.
Information that was provided to parents:
NEISD is aware of student protests going on this week. Here is how our schools are handling the situation:
While the campus respects our students’ rights to express their individual views, our highest priorities are to maintain students’ safety on campus and preserve a rich learning environment accessible to all of our students.
Should students participate in a walkout, we want to be clear that students will be considered truant from class resulting in an unexcused absence. Additionally, if the event creates a significant disruption to learning or creates any type of physical danger to others such as bringing weapons or inciting violence, students will receive disciplinary consequences ranging from detention or In-school suspension to Out-of-school suspension or recommendation to an alternative educational setting.
Campus administration will maintain vigilance about the potential of a walkout; communicate with NEPD and NEISD campus safety about any needs for support; communicate with faculty about response practices, and with families about new developments. We also want to encourage families to speak with your student(s) about the potential dangers and/or consequences of participating in an event of this nature.
MANOR INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT:
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 maintaining neutrality, ensuring attendance guidelines were followed and keeping student safety as the top priority during the days the walkouts occurred.
DALLAS INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT:
KPRC 2 is currently waiting to hear back from DISD as of this article.