Texas Educators Gain Flexibility in Student Discipline with New Legislation
AUSTIN — Texas public schools are set to regain control over disciplinary measures regarding e-cigarettes, as lawmakers approved new legislation this week aimed at revising longstanding rules. This change, intended to assist teachers in maintaining classroom order, is part of a broader update to the state’s school discipline code and will come into effect for the upcoming summer school session.
House Bill 6, spearheaded by Rep. Jeff Leach, R-Allen, overturns a 2023 mandate that required students caught with vaping devices to be sent off-campus for disciplinary action. This previous law led to significant overcrowding in alternative schools, as over 32,000 vaping violations were recorded last year. Superintendents from North Texas have advocated for this legislative shift, asserting the need for flexible disciplinary tools that take into account individual student circumstances, especially concerning nicotine addiction.
The legislation responds to concerns about the impact of zero-tolerance policies, which disproportionately affected Black students and those with disabilities. Education advocates cautioned against a return to strict disciplinary measures, stressing that exclusionary practices hinder a child’s development and disrupt the school environment.
Moreover, the new law grants school officials the authority to suspend young children, specifically those below third grade, for disruptive behavior—a significant shift from previous restrictions that only allowed suspension for severe infractions like bringing firearms or marijuana to school. While this change aims to address classroom disruptions effectively, critics warn that extended in-school suspensions could interfere with critical learning time.
Supporters of the law argue that it enables schools to manage the few students whose behavior disrupts learning, ensuring a safer and more equitable educational experience for all. As the legislation is finalized, the debate continues over finding the right balance between discipline and support for young learners.
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