Who Cares About Our Youth? State Rep. Gene Wu Sounds the Alarm on Education and Juvenile Justice in Texas

By Jeffrey L. Boney, The Block News Contributor

State Rep. Gene Wu Sounds the Alarm on Education and Juvenile Justice in Texas

The challenges facing children and teenagers across the Greater Houston area and throughout Texas continue to grow—from struggling schools and mental health concerns to juvenile justice, educational inequities, and the lasting impact of public policy decisions.

To better understand these issues, Houston Community Media kicked off, the first, of a three-part media news briefing series to gain the unique perspectives of Texas lawmakers who are helping shape policies affecting Texas youth.

Part I of the series began with Houston-based State Representative Gene Wu (TX-137), who has made advocating for children and families a major focus throughout his time in the Texas House of Representatives.

During the 2025 legislative session, Rep. Wu drew national attention when he joined fellow Texas House Democrats in breaking quorum to oppose congressional mid-decade redistricting. Republican Texas Governor Greg Abbott sought his removal from office, but the Texas Supreme Court later ruled that it did not have jurisdiction to remove him.

Before being elected to the Texas House in 2012, Rep. Wu served as a prosecutor in the Harris County District Attorney’s Office, handling juvenile and child welfare cases.

Now a 14-year member of the Texas House, Rep. Wu currently serves as Vice Chair of the House Committee on Criminal Jurisprudence and on the House Permanent Standing Subcommittee on Juvenile Justice.

Relative to criminal justice and Texas youth, Rep. Wu was very candid about what he has found to be some of the distinct challenges.

“I’ve discovered that many of the problems we see in society, in the criminal justice system, and among delinquent youth are problems we created—or problems our society helped create—and then failed to invest the resources necessary to fix,” Rep. Wu emphasized.

Rep. Wu stated that the focus should not be on punishing our youth but, instead, on rehabilitating them.

“The goal is not punishment,” Rep. Wu declared. “The goal is rehabilitation.”

Among the biggest concerns Rep. Wu pointed to were underfunded schools, overcrowded classrooms, shortages of counselors and therapists, and too few resources for students dealing with trauma or behavioral challenges.

Rep. Wu also expressed deep concern about what many people have, for decades, called the “school-to-prison pipeline.” He stated that behavioral issues once handled by principals have increasingly been turned over to law enforcement, resulting in more student arrests.

“When I was growing up, if you got into a fight or talked back to a teacher, you went to the principal’s office,” said Rep. Wu. “Today, too often, students are getting arrested.”

Rep. Wu stated that without adequate investments in public education, mental health services, healthcare, and stronger family support systems, many of the challenges facing Texas youth cannot be effectively solved. He said Texas should invest in more counselors, therapists, early intervention programs, and support services that address the root causes of student behavior instead of relying more heavily on law enforcement in Texas schools.

Rep. Wu also warned that if Texas fails to make meaningful investments in education, the state risks leaving an entire generation of students less prepared for college, careers, and life.

When asked what Texans can do, his message was straightforward:

1. Educate
2. Organize
3. Activate

Rep. Wu encouraged parents, educators, students, and community members to educate themselves on the issues, build strong coalitions, and hold elected officials accountable for the decisions they make.

As this Houston Community Media news briefing series continues, other Texas lawmakers will share their perspectives on the challenges facing Texas youth—and what they believe must be done to ensure every child has the opportunity to succeed.