Texas legislation seeks to sanitize and take control of the history students learn.
The Republicans have been trying to do it for years. Since they have control of the Texas Board of Education which uses its enormous buying power to shape what can be included in textbooks.
Right now the Texas legislature is considering legislation (HB 3979 and its companion bill, SB 2202) that would control and limit free speech and ideas of teachers, students and state agency employees. HB 3979 would prohibit instruction and discussions about certain concepts related to race, sex, diversity and discrimination in social studies, history, government and civics courses.
HB 3979 would discourage teachers from discussing current events in social studies courses. (These discussions are a critical part of learning and social emotional wellness.)
It would prohibit students from receiving course credit for participation in activities and organizations that encourage civic engagement, including engagement in our public policymaking and legislative processes.
HB 3979 would prohibit important schoolwide training for teachers, administrators, state agency employees, and school district or charter school staff on race and gender diversity and inclusion practices related to social studies, history, government and similar subjects.
It would also prohibit school districts, charter schools or state agencies from seeking private funding to develop curriculum, training or materials for courses in the social studies curriculum.
Texas is not the only state this is happening in. Sanitizing history is a major marker of moving toward an authoritarian society. At least eight states have legislation being considered that would do that.
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