The new measures specifically state that "the district will not promote, require, or encourage the use of titles or pronoun identifiers for students, teachers or any other persons in any manner that is inconsistent with the biological sex of such person." However, if a student, parent or legal guardian asks the teacher to address the student with their chosen pronouns, the policy leaves it up to a teacher's discretion whether they choose to comply. 

Under the new policy, district staff are also prohibited from teaching or promoting "gender fluidity," which the district defines as "any theory or ideology" that "espouses the view that an individual's biological sex should be changed to 'match' a self-believed gender that is different from the person's biological sex." Staff are also prohibited from discussing sexual orientation or gender identity until students have been promoted to sixth grade. 

Also among the new guidelines are requirements for transgender students to only use district bathrooms that align with their sex assigned at birth and  forbidding transgender students from participating in athletic events that are "designated for the biological sex opposite to the student's biological sex." Library books that don't match "prevailing standards in the adult community" are also now prohibited. 

Casey Ford, one of the seven school board members who voted for the new policies, claimed that the rules are based on state law. "These polices are the product of input from several groups—the board's policy committee, the district's attorneys, the board's attorneys, a committee of administrators and principals and, most importantly, community members," Ford said. "But one group that's had the most input and influence: the Texas state Legislature."

Becky St. John, one of three school board trustees who voted against the new policies, disagreed, saying the policies will "harm students in the classroom [and] overburden our teachers for a political agenda alone." She added: "None of these policies are good for GCISD."

Trustee Jorge Rodríguez also voted against the policy, saying he is against "a war against librarians and a war against LGBTQ+ students and teachers" and voicing concerns from students and parents in the community during the meeting. "I just believe the district needs to provide a safe learning environment for all kids," Rodriguez said. "I just don't believe this is who are. We are a very diverse district... This is all political. These board meetings have become headquarters for political campaigns versus what we are here to do which is help kids succeed." 

The district's latest rules follow Gov. Greg Abbott in February directing the Texas Department of Family Protective and Services to investigate parents who provide their transgender children with gender-affirming care. Last year the Texas Legislature also passed a bill that requires student athletes play on sports teams that correspond to the sex listed on their birth certificate.