The U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights has launched an investigation into Katy Independent School District’s gender identity policy, citing concerns of gender harassment under Title IX. This comes after reports that the district has a policy notifying parents if their child requests to use a different name or pronouns at school.
Despite requests for information on how many parents have been notified under the new policy, Katy ISD has not responded. However, it was reported in December that at least 23 notifications had been made since the policy’s adoption.
The policy not only informs parents but also prohibits teaching “gender fluidity” and restricts students from participating in sports based on their gender identity, in line with state laws regulating K-12 athletics.
A student advocacy group, Students Engaged in Advancing Texas, lodged a complaint about the policy in November, which led to the federal investigation. Cameron Samuels, a Katy ISD graduate and member of the group, sees the investigation as a victory against conservative policies in the district, which they believe target marginalized students.
Katy ISD, however, denies any wrongdoing and states its commitment to equal educational opportunities for all. The district spokesperson emphasized cooperation with the investigation process.
Victor Perez, the Katy ISD board president who supports the policy, argues that it is misunderstood by the community and actually helps staff by removing the burden of withholding information from parents. The policy was passed in August after a lengthy public discussion and a close 4-3 vote.
Opponents like Alastair Parker, a member of the Cinco Ranch High School Gender-Sexuality Alliance, argue that the policy violates transgender students’ rights to express themselves and could expose them to harm from transphobic parents or caregivers.
