Leander ISD’s high school athletes are set to participate in a program designed by the Texas High School Coaches Association and the Texas Education Agency to promote awareness of dating violence.

Starting the Conversation was created in 2016 and aims to enhance students’ empathy, create a culture of peer accountability and minimize relationship violence, sexual harassment and online abuse, according to LISD and TEA documents.

“It is designed for discussion,” LISD Athletic Director Jody Hormann said. “It gives [coaches] topics and kind of guides them through those conversations.”

Starting with the district’s football teams, both male and female athletes may participate in three weekly lessons and team discussions, according to Hormann. Parents and guardians will be notified before the program begins and can opt their children out of Starting the Conversation, if desired.

High school principals and counselors will also be informed about the program before it starts, Hormann said. She said Starting the Conversation could start with high school football teams this spring.

Learn more about Starting the Conversation at www.texasgateway.org/resource/starting-conversation.