Federal Court Halts Enforcement of Key Provisions of Law Censoring Identity and Inclusion in K-12 Schools in Three Texas School Districts
A U.S. District Judge granted today 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.
February 20, 2026
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.”
“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.”
“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.”
Access the preliminary injunction here.
Access the judge’s opinion here.
Start a GSA, get support organizing in your school, or register an existing club.
If you or someone you know needs mental health resources or support, visit:
- Trans Lifeline at (877) 565-8860.
- Trevor Project at 866-488-7386.
