Overview
- Attorney General Ken Paxton opened formal investigations into North East ISD, Dallas ISD, and Manor ISD, adding to an earlier probe of Austin ISD after walkouts in Austin, San Antonio, Dallas, Waco, El Paso, Houston, and Fort Worth.
- Paxton alleges staff helped organize protests and demanded records on campus exit policies, excused absences, security protocols, internal communications, and any use of public funds.
- North East ISD said the inquiry focuses on Churchill High School and reported full cooperation, while Manor ISD expressed confidence staff followed procedures and Austin ISD denied facilitating demonstrations.
- Gov. Greg Abbott and the Texas Education Agency warned of consequences that include arrests, funding cuts, absence markings, potential teacher license revocations, and possible state takeovers of districts.
- The ACLU of Texas said officials cannot punish students for their message and cautioned that the state’s response risks unconstitutional retaliation against peaceful speech.