[phas-faculty_staff_others] FW: SB 412 and Minors Enrolled

[Kurtis Williams]

This is FYI.  I've emailed each instructor in our department who is affected by this in the current semester, but you should all be aware because it could affect you in a future semester.  And be glad you aren't teaching nursing or biology.

Kurtis

Dr. Kurtis A. Williams (he/him/his)

Professor and Department Head

Department of Physics and Astronomy<https://www.tamuc.edu/physics>


P: 903.886.5488


East Texas A&M University<https://www.tamuc.edu/>
(formerly Texas A&M University-Commmerce)



From: Ricky Dobbs <Ricky.Dobbs at etamu.edu>
Sent: Tuesday, September 2, 2025 8:47 AM
Subject: SB 412 and Minors Enrolled
Importance: High

Friends

Yesterday, Dr. Vacha-Haase reached out to the Deans to draw their attention to legislation passed this last session regarding minors enrolled in college classes, SB 412.

You are receiving this notification because individual faculty in your department are teaching courses with minors enrolled.

SB 412 repeals the longstanding affirmative defense for educational use of sexual or obscene content.  Exposing minors to course content judged "harmful to minors" could be considered criminal under this statute.  SB 412 went into effect yesterday.

Faculty should be vigilant as educational intent no longer protects you under the law, materials-even with academic or historical context-that may be deemed obscene or harmful could trigger legal exposure.

Please review all course materials used with minors (texts, films, presentations, online links, books, readings, pictures, etc) and ask yourself the following questions:

  *   Does the material appeal to prurient interest in sexual content?
  *   Is it patently offensive by general adult community standards?
  *   Does it lack serious educational, literary, scientific, artistic, political, or social value when viewed as a whole?

Here are just a few examples to consider carefully, although not a fully inclusive list:

  *   Nudity in art or anatomy texts-even classic works
  *   Literature with sexual themes (e.g., coming-of-age novels, Shakespeare, modern YA)
  *   Graphic descriptions in health or social-science materials
  *   Films or media with explicit scene(s), even if serving broader educational goals.

If material could be problematic, please do the following:

  *   Flag it to your department chair or college risk office
  *   Retain documentation of your educational intent and rationale (syllabi, lecture notes, objectives)
  *   Seek alternatives or provide content with age-appropriate framing and clear pedagogical purpose
  *   Where possible, limit exposure to minors or provide parental notification or alternative assignments
  *   Immediately consult the campus legal/risk office or your academic leadership with any questions.

Together, review syllabi and content, document of pedagogical objectives, and engage with your deans or the Provost's office where you have questions.

Ricky

Ricky Dobbs, Ph.D.

Senior Vice Provost, SACSCOC Liaison

Office of Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

P: 903.468.8707



[1731084733590]<https://www.tamuc.edu/>



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