Today, Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed into law HB 3979, the dangerous bill that controls teacher and student speech in schools and prohibits important conversations about racism, discrimination and current events. The Texas Legislature rammed this bill, like other copycat bills being filed in states across the country, through the process with little input from students, teachers and communities of color in the final days of its legislative session.
“It is disappointing, but sadly not surprising that, in passing this copycat legislation, Texas chose to bow down to a small group of donors and political operatives leading efforts across the country to whitewash our history and place a gag order on students and teachers,” said Celina Moreno, IDRA President & CEO. “So much for independent thinking in Texas.”
Even though HB 3979 is now the law in Texas, students, educators and advocates must insist on truthful accounts of our history and current events in schools. We must ensure our curricula are accurate, our instruction is strong and our students are ready for the world.
To stay engaged and receive updates on promoting culturally-sustaining schools for all students, sign up for the
Texas Legislative Education Equity Coalition listserv by contacting Ana Ramón, Deputy Director of Advocacy, ana.ramon@idra.org.