TEA Threatens Sanctions Over School Walkouts/Protests

The TEA late Tuesday afternoon (Feb. 3, 2026) issued guidance (press release) to school officials regarding student walkouts, absences and actions related to political activism.

The TEA said it issued the guidance in response to Gov. Abbott’s directive to investigate instances of inappropriate activism that deliberately disrupts the learning environment in Texas public schools.

The guidance says that the consequences for students, teachers and school districts can include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Students must be marked as absent, and schools risk losing daily attendance funding, if they allow or encourage students to walk out of class.

• Teachers that facilitate walk outs will be subject to investigation and sanctions — including licensure revocation.

• School systems that facilitate walkouts will be subject to investigation and sanction, including either the appointment of a monitor, conservator or board of managers. 

The Texas Tribune has more.