Texas House Bill HB1927

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

• Filed: 1/16/25

Caption

Relating to the instructional materials for certain curriculum in public schools, including certain instructional prohibitions and requirements regarding those materials.

Impact

If passed, HB 1927 would restrict educators from being compelled to discuss or use instructional materials that address widely debated or controversial social issues. It emphasizes that discussions on such topics must be objective and must avoid political bias. Furthermore, the bill prohibits awarding academic credit for student engagement in lobbying, political activism, or any activity associated with social policy advocacy. This reflects a clear intention to delineate the boundaries of acceptable curriculum content in Texas schools.

Summary

House Bill 1927 seeks to amend the Education Code in Texas to impose certain requirements and prohibitions regarding instructional materials used in public schools, specifically concerning curriculum related to civics education. This bill aims to ensure that civics education is taught consistently across school districts, promoting a shared understanding of American governance and values among students. Notably, it mandates that instructional materials for social studies must adhere to certain established knowledge and skill standards.

Contention

The implications of HB 1927 are significant and could lead to heated debates. Proponents argue that the bill preserves educational integrity by preventing advocacy in the classroom, while opponents perceive it as a restrictive measure that stifles critical discussions surrounding important social issues, especially those concerning race, gender, and historical narratives. The specific prohibitions against teaching concepts that may imply racial or gender superiority are particularly contentious, as they touch on ongoing national debates about critical race theory and its place in the education system.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Education Code

• Chapter 28. Courses Of Study; Advancement
  • Section: New Section
  • Section: 0022