The Keller Independent School District in Texas has adopted a new policy requiring teachers to use pronouns that align with a student’s biological sex, as listed on their birth certificate, rather than their “gender identity.”

Under the new policy, educators are now mandated to address students according to the sex indicated on their birth certificate, even if a student requests the use of different pronouns. The district’s school board approved this change on Thursday and plans to inform parents about the policy. If parents wish for their child to be referred to by a different name or pronoun, they must submit a written request to the school.

The board approved the policy unanimously, despite facing backlash. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) sent a letter to the district, urging them not to approve the policy, calling it discriminatory. During a public comment session at a board meeting, several students and parents criticized the new policy, according to Fox News.

“You’ve created an environment where fear and isolation might just become the norm for our most vulnerable students. I hope this brings you the kind of community you’re striving for, one where conformity is valued over compassion. Hate is not a Keller ISD value,” one student claimed.

However, numerous parents expressed support for the policy. One parent at the board meeting argued, “I think that it’s a good starting point. Parents need to know what’s going on with their school, they need to know what their kids are thinking.”

The district’s initiative comes as more schools nationwide consider implementing policies that limit the use of “preferred pronouns” without parental consent. In contrast, some liberal states have taken the opposite approach. California recently passed legislation allowing educators to use a student’s preferred name and pronouns without notifying their parents, leaving many to criticize such policies for violating parental rights. 

This piece first appeared at TPUSA.