Texas Senate Bill SB165

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Caption

Relating to an exception to dropped course limitations at public institutions of higher education for courses dropped during a disaster that results in a bar or limit on in-person course attendance.

Impact

The passage of S.B. 165 will have significant implications for state laws governing higher education in Texas. By enabling students to drop more courses under specific disaster-related circumstances, the bill ensures that students are better protected and can adapt to unexpected challenges. This will help to mitigate the negative impact on their academic records during emergencies, fostering a more supportive educational environment in public colleges and universities. It serves to amend existing statutory provisions, reflecting a shift towards more leniency in the face of exceptional circumstances.

Summary

S.B. No. 165 amends the Education Code to provide exceptions for students at public institutions of higher education regarding the limitations on dropped courses. Specifically, it allows for more courses to be dropped without penalty if a student has faced significant hardships due to a disaster that limits in-person attendance. The bill particularly addresses circumstances that occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic, thus providing students who may have been affected by the pandemic extra opportunities to manage their academic commitments more flexibly.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding S.B. 165 appears to be largely positive, especially among educational institutions and student advocacy groups who view it as a necessary and compassionate response to the unique challenges posed by the pandemic. Supporters highlight the importance of providing students with the means to navigate their education in light of unforeseen hardships. However, there are concerns from some circles about potential implications for academic rigor and commitment, questioning whether easing course drop limits might affect the overall quality of education and student accountability.

Contention

Notably, the passage of S.B. 165 sparked discussions regarding the broader implications of modifying dropout policies during disasters. While supporters emphasize the need for flexibility and support for struggling students, critics argue that such changes could lead to a lack of commitment to academic success. They suggest that there may need to be careful consideration of how these new provisions are implemented to ensure that they do not inadvertently diminish educational standards or expectations.