The Texas Freedom Network has been at the State Board of Education to call for the adoption of an African American Studies course for Texas public schools. We just sent out the following press release.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 13, 2019
AUSTIN – The Texas Freedom Network today called on the State Board of Education to listen to scholars and approve a new elective course in African American Studies for public schools.
“For too long, Texas has done a poor job teaching students the full truth about the experiences and contributions of African Americans and other people of color in our history,” said Kathy Miller, president of the Texas Freedom Network. “Ethnic studies courses dispel myths, correct misinformation and bridge divisions. That’s important because our nation can’t truly address the challenges we still face, like racism and inequality, if we’re not honest with students about the history and root causes of those challenges.”
Today’s public hearing on the proposed course comes after the board adopted a Mexican American Studies course in 2018. Scholars and other advocates asked for the creation of the Mexican American Studies course in 2014. In voting for the Mexican American Studies course last year, the board opened the door to the creation of other ethnic studies classes that districts could choose to offer as elective courses for high school students.
The board likely will hold a second public hearing in January, and a final vote on the course could come in April.
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Texas Freedom Network is a grassroots organization of religious and community leaders who support equality, social justice and public education.
