As residents of the great state of Texas, we care deeply about the younger generation, and the safety and education of our students are critically important. Human trafficking is a horrific crime that affects students, posing a genuine threat to the safety of every child in our state. According to the University of Texas Social Work Department, there are approximately 79,000 youth being sex trafficked in the state of Texas. About half of the children experiencing trafficking endure it at the hands of a family member. Additionally, the internet poses an easy avenue to exploit our young people. Training our educators and educating our children about the dangers of human trafficking is vitally important.

In the state of Texas, it is a legal mandate that all school personnel receive training, and all students K-12 receive education on how to stay safe from abuse and human trafficking. However, in 2021, Texas went from having parents opt out if they chose for their children not to receive the education to all parents having to opt in for their children to receive the education. This poses a huge risk to children who might be experiencing exploitation at the hands of a family member and not be identified or protected.  Additionally, it should not be the responsibility of the parent to ask that their child receive this education, given that it is a state mandate. This current system leaves enormous room for error due to possible lack of understanding on the part of the parents or lack of communication between the school and the parents. Texas ranks second in the nation for the number of reported human trafficking cases, based on data from the National Human Trafficking Hotline. This statistic should alarm and sadden all of us who call this state our home. We cannot afford to neglect this crucial issue. Students need to be instructed about the dangers of human trafficking and how to be strong, smart, and safe in potential trafficking situations. We must shift to an opt-out system, where education on this vital topic is the default in all schools unless a parent chooses otherwise. 

By changing to opt-out legislation, schools can ensure that as many students as possible are educated on human trafficking. This information can help immunize them from this insidious crime. Students need to recognize warning signs, avoid dangerous situations, and seek help if needed. This legislative change requires the attention and support of Texas state policymakers and the community alike. Education on human trafficking needs to be the standard. We need to empower our students to protect themselves and others in their communities and work toward eradicating this horrible crime.

We need to act now to protect our children and our communities from the horrors of human trafficking. Your signature on this petition can bring about the legislative change needed to make Texas an opt-out state for human trafficking prevention education. Join me in urging our legislators to prioritize the safety and education of Texas’ youth. Sign the petition today to make this simple yet vital change.