AUSTIN, Texas — The Texas Senate gave approval to a bill that would restrict which flags can be displayed in public school classrooms.
Senate Bill 762, sponsored by State Sen. Donna Campbell (R-New Braunfels), passed with a vote of 23-8.
Campbell said the measure is meant to focus on education and not advocacy, by removing political symbols from classrooms.
But some have voiced opposition, saying the bill would ban Pride flags in schools.
Under the bill, only specific flags would be allowed, such as those representing the U.S., a state or a college or university.
“Flags are powerful symbols that play a critical multifaceted role in the life of our nation or in our state,” Campbell said. “It visually represents identity and values of our nation or state.”
The bill would also allow flags for military units or branches, Native American tribes, political subdivisions and temporary displays for curriculum purposes. It would not allow for Confederate flags, according to the bill’s sponsors.
State Sen. Sarah Eckhardt (D-Austin) expressed concerns that defining what is considered a “flag” could be confusing to schools. While the bill defines a flag as fabric, Eckhardt questioned whether paper displays, such as rainbow wall art, could be considered a violation.
Schools violating the measure could face fines of $500 per day.
The bill will now move to the House for consideration.