ACLU of Texas files Title IX complaints against FWAFA, Keller ISD
The American Civil Liberties Union of Texas filed federal civil rights complaints today (Thursday, Aug. 10) against both the Fort Worth Academy of Fine Arts and the Keller Independent School District, asking the U.S.
Department of Education to open investigations for alleged Title IX civil rights violations. According to a press release announcing the complaints, “These policies are part of a wave of attacks on transgender and nonbinary Texans, and the LGBTQIA+ community as a whole, including students who seek to access medical care, to play sports, to participate in the arts and to receive an inclusive education.” ACLU of Texas attorney Chloe Kempf said, “It is deeply disappointing that these North Texas school boards have targeted their transgender, nonbinary, and intersex students, who just want to feel as though they belong.
They’ve enacted policies depriving students of books that reflect their experiences. They’ve banned students from using the facilities and from participating in the activities that align with who they are, all the while subjecting them to harassment and bullying. “We urge the federal government to intervene and end these clearly discriminatory policies before they can further harm and stigmatize LGBTQIA+ students,” Kempf added. “No matter their gender identity, sexual orientation, race or religion, all students deserve to learn in an inclusive and welcoming educational environment.” ACLU of Texas filed the complaint against FWAFA on behalf of a Fort Worth family with a transgender and nonbinary child who last year was prevented from joining the school’s prestigious Singing Girls of Texas choir, even though the choir director expressed support for the student’s participation.
