Austin News

Amidst heated debates, a Texas school district's decision to offer free shuttle services for students attending the explicit "Keep Austin Queer'd" Pride event has come under scrutiny, with questions raised about the use of taxpayer funds, according to a report.

“As a member of the House Public Education Committee, I heard all session how ‘underfunded’ public schools were. Since Austin ISD has enough (money) to shuttle kids to and from the Austin Pride Parade, I can assume they are ‘fully funded,'" Rep. Brian Harrison said.

Before the event, the Texas Family Project had revealed the Austin Independent School District's shuttle arrangements, with the district expressing enthusiasm for staff, students and families to partake in the Austin Pride Parade. The district aimed to underscore its support for LGBTQIA+ members of its community and its dedication to fostering an inclusive and secure environment.

The announcement from Austin ISD highlighted that middle and elementary school students were required to be accompanied by an adult to the parade, while it remained silent on high school students who were still minors and didn't specify the chaperone's role as a parent or legal guardian. 

"Staff, students and their families are invited to represent Austin ISD in the annual Austin Pride Parade," The Austin ISD wrote on an event page on its website, Fox News reported. "The Austin ISD is #AISDproud to celebrate our LGBTQIA+ students, staff and families and to highlight our commitment to creating a safe, supportive and inclusive environment for all!"