The Texas Education Agency has released new guidance on how public schools should handle student walkouts, absences, and political activism during the school day.
The update follows a directive from Greg Abbott to investigate political activity that deliberately disrupts classroom learning. Under the guidance, students who leave class to participate in walkouts must be marked absent, and schools that allow or encourage walkouts risk losing daily attendance funding.
Teachers who facilitate or encourage walkouts may face investigation and possible sanctions, including loss of licensure. School districts that support walkouts could also be investigated and, if found to be in violation of state law, face oversight actions, such as the appointment of a monitor, conservator, or board of managers.
The agency emphasized that Texas law prohibits public schools from supporting or opposing political activism that interrupts instruction or uses taxpayer-funded resources during the school day. Certified educators are also prohibited from encouraging students to leave class for political activity and remain subject to the Educator Code of Ethics and local employment policies. Violations by educators may be referred to the State Board for Educator Certification for enforcement.
Parents, students, or staff with unresolved concerns are encouraged to use the TEA Online Complaints Form at https://tea.texas.gov/about-tea/contact-us/complaints. The agency reviews every complaint and takes action when violations of state law are confirmed.
The guidance reinforces the state’s position that schools are responsible for maintaining safe, orderly learning environments while ensuring students attend class during the instructional day.
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