AUSTIN, Texas — Julie Pickren, along with two other members of the State Board of Education, is raising concerns over a series of student walkouts that occurred on Texas school campuses during instructional hours, citing risks to student safety and violations of parental rights.
In a statement released this week, Pickren said students in multiple districts were allowed — and in some cases encouraged — to leave campus during the school day to participate in organized political demonstrations without prior parental notice or consent.
“Parents have a reasonable expectation that when they drop their children off at school, those children will remain on campus and under the supervision of school personnel unless parents have been notified and have given consent,” Pickren said.
Pickren warned that releasing students into public streets during school hours exposes them to unnecessary safety risks and raises questions about compliance with Texas school safety laws and district responsibilities. She said the incidents undermine parental trust and blur the line between education and political activism during instructional time.
Pickren and the other board members praised Greg Abbott for his leadership on the issue and commended Mike Morath, commissioner of the Texas Education Agency, for issuing guidance to school districts clarifying expectations related to student absences, walkouts, and educator responsibilities.
The board members also expressed support for the recent appointment of Levi Fuller as TEA Inspector General for Educator Misconduct and called for formal investigations where administrators or educators may have organized or facilitated student participation in demonstrations during school hours.
Pickren urged coordination with the Texas House of Representatives to examine potential violations of school safety requirements, particularly where compliance affects eligibility for school safety and security grant funding. She said concerns remain that walkouts are increasing in size and scope despite guidance from the agency.
“Student safety, parental rights, and the integrity of our public education system must remain paramount,” Pickren said.
