Remove Goguardian from FBISD K-12 schools

Recent signers:
Anony Mous and 19 others have signed recently.

The Issue

As a student attending a school in the Fort Bend Independent School District, I am deeply concerned about the intrusive nature of GoGuardian software implemented in our K-12 schools. Along with many of my peers, I believe this software is an unnecessary invasion of our privacy, as it allows access to our computer cameras and permits teachers to remotely control student devices. This practice intrudes upon our rights protected by the Fourth Amendment of the Bill of Rights in the United States Constitution.

GoGuardian, designed to monitor student activity and keep children safe online, comes with significant privacy concerns. The software allows for remote viewing of student screens and camera access that can be activated without the student’s consent. This level of control does not merely constitute simple monitoring—it is a substantial violation of privacy, leaving students feeling exposed and distrustful. Knowing that someone could potentially watch through our cameras at any moment disrupts the sense of security that every student deserves in their educational experience.

The argument for using GoGuardian emphasizes the importance of keeping students safe in an increasingly digital world. However, the implementation of such software should not come at the cost of student privacy rights. There are alternative methods and tools that offer safety without infringing upon personal freedoms. Moreover, educators and administrators must establish trust-based environments that prioritize student rights alongside safety and learning.

Furthermore, the financial resources spent on this software could be redirected towards enhancing educational programs that offer students hands-on learning experiences. Investing in enrichment programs, advanced technology training, and other educational initiatives could have a more meaningful and lasting impact on the quality of education in our district.

It is crucial for the Fort Bend Independent School District to respect the voices of its students and their concerns. We urge the school board and relevant authorities to discontinue the use of GoGuardian software in our schools and explore more balanced solutions that protect student privacy while maintaining safety. Sign this petition to stand against this invasive practice and advocate for improved educational investments that genuinely benefit our student community.

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Recent signers:
Anony Mous and 19 others have signed recently.

The Issue

As a student attending a school in the Fort Bend Independent School District, I am deeply concerned about the intrusive nature of GoGuardian software implemented in our K-12 schools. Along with many of my peers, I believe this software is an unnecessary invasion of our privacy, as it allows access to our computer cameras and permits teachers to remotely control student devices. This practice intrudes upon our rights protected by the Fourth Amendment of the Bill of Rights in the United States Constitution.

GoGuardian, designed to monitor student activity and keep children safe online, comes with significant privacy concerns. The software allows for remote viewing of student screens and camera access that can be activated without the student’s consent. This level of control does not merely constitute simple monitoring—it is a substantial violation of privacy, leaving students feeling exposed and distrustful. Knowing that someone could potentially watch through our cameras at any moment disrupts the sense of security that every student deserves in their educational experience.

The argument for using GoGuardian emphasizes the importance of keeping students safe in an increasingly digital world. However, the implementation of such software should not come at the cost of student privacy rights. There are alternative methods and tools that offer safety without infringing upon personal freedoms. Moreover, educators and administrators must establish trust-based environments that prioritize student rights alongside safety and learning.

Furthermore, the financial resources spent on this software could be redirected towards enhancing educational programs that offer students hands-on learning experiences. Investing in enrichment programs, advanced technology training, and other educational initiatives could have a more meaningful and lasting impact on the quality of education in our district.

It is crucial for the Fort Bend Independent School District to respect the voices of its students and their concerns. We urge the school board and relevant authorities to discontinue the use of GoGuardian software in our schools and explore more balanced solutions that protect student privacy while maintaining safety. Sign this petition to stand against this invasive practice and advocate for improved educational investments that genuinely benefit our student community.

The Decision Makers

Fort Bend ISD
Responded
Thank you to all who have taken the time to share their concerns regarding the use of GoGuardian on district‑issued laptops. We value community engagement, and we take seriously any feedback related to student privacy, digital safety, and the learning environment in Fort Bend ISD. The district’s use of GoGuardian is rooted in two core responsibilities: ensuring student safety in a digital learning environment and complying with federal law. As a recipient of federal E‑rate funding, FBISD is legally required under the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) to implement safeguards that block or filter access to harmful or inappropriate online content. Traditional firewall systems alone are no longer sufficient, as students have increasingly found ways to bypass them using VPNs and proxy tools. GoGuardian helps close these gaps by providing device-level filtering and real-time protection that keeps students safe and ensures the district remains compliant with federal mandates. It is also important to clarify what GoGuardian does not do. The software does not access webcams or microphones, does not record screens, and does not track student location. Teachers can only view the screens of students enrolled in their classes, only during school hours, and only when devices are on an FBISD campus and connected to the district network. These safeguards are in place to ensure that monitoring remains limited, purposeful, and aligned with the district’s Acceptable Use Policy, an agreement reviewed and signed annually by students and parents. GoGuardian is used only on district‑owned laptops, which are provided exclusively for educational purposes. The district has long monitored network activity on these devices, as required by law, and GoGuardian does not introduce new surveillance capabilities. Instead, it strengthens existing protections and supports teachers in managing digital learning environments more effectively. We recognize that any tool designed to protect students can also raise questions about privacy and transparency. For that reason, we provide a detailed Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document on our district website that addresses the concerns raised in this petition, including data privacy, teacher access, monitoring limitations, and how the district oversees the use of this software. We encourage all community members to review the FAQ, which has been shared with parents and secondary students, and is also posted on the district website GoGuardian FAQ: https://www.fortbendisd.com/Page/190120 Your feedback is an important part of our ongoing work to balance safety, legal compliance, and student trust. We remain committed to open communication and welcome continued dialogue as we support a secure and focused learning environment for all students. For more information, please refer to the district’s GoGuardian FAQ: https://www.fortbendisd.com/Page/190120
Fort Bend Independent School District School Board
Fort Bend Independent School District School Board
Fort Bend Independent school district school board

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Petition created on November 18, 2025