Texas Threatens State Takeovers of School Districts Over Student Walkouts Tied to ICE Protests
The Texas Education Agency said Tuesday that school districts could face state takeovers if they “encourage” students to walk out of class for protests, raising new tensions between state leaders and student activists. According to guidance issued by TEA, districts could lose funding, teachers could be disciplined, and local school boards could be replaced with state-appointed managers.
The warning follows criticism from Gov. Greg Abbott, who directed Education Commissioner Mike Morath to investigate school districts after a social media post showed students from multiple Austin ISD campuses participating in statewide walkouts. Those demonstrations were part of protests against federal immigration enforcement, including demonstrations tied to the killings of several people by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents in Minnesota.
TEA’s guidance says students who leave school for protests could be marked absent, potentially affecting district funding under state law. It also says educators could face investigations or lose teaching licenses for “inappropriate political activity.” Districts that help facilitate such activity may be subject to increased oversight or takeover by a board of managers appointed by the state.
TEA spokesperson Jake Kobersky emphasized the agency’s statutory duty to ensure attendance and order in schools. “It is in this spirit that school systems have been reminded of their duty and obligation…” Kobersky said in the TEA release.
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The guidance comes as students in at least five Central Texas districts, including Hays CISD and Pflugerville ISD, walked out to protest ICE activity — actions district leaders say were student-led and not officially sanctioned.
State education officials have authority to launch special investigations and take action under existing state law, an option they have used previously in districts with chronically poor academic performance.
Supporters of the protests argue students have a right to peaceful expression, while state leaders say classroom time should not be used for political activity. What happens next is unclear, but districts will be reviewing TEA’s guidance and preparing responses as the investigation continues.
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