Proposed legislation in Texas would prohibit universities and colleges from teaching critical race theory and remove their state funding if they violate the law.
House Bill 1607 by State Rep. Cody Harris (R–Palestine) reads that no institution of higher education is allowed to instill beliefs or teach that “one race or sex is inherently superior to another race or sex” or that “an individual’s moral character, standing, or worth is necessarily determined by the individual’s race or sex.”
During the 87th Legislative Session, State Rep. Steve Toth (R–The Woodlands) filed legislation that would prohibit any teacher, administrator, or other employees in any school district from teaching CRT concepts in classes. That bill was watered down in the Texas House, but it ultimately passed and was signed into law by Gov. Greg Abbott.
HB 1607 uses the same language as the previous bill but would pertain to higher education.
“Our American values will not be watered down or twisted for the political agenda of the far left. Building on our work from last session to ban Critical Race Theory in our K-12 classrooms, I filed House Bill 1607 which will keep it from being taught at Texas college and university campuses,” Harris said. “Texas must push back on the progressive agenda to indoctrinate the minds of our future, and I’m proud to help lead the effort!”
During his inauguration earlier this month, Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick stated that he will be doubling down on his crusade against professors who teach critical race theory in classes, revoking them of their tenure.
“I don’t want teachers in our colleges saying America is evil, and capitalism is bad, and socialism is better,” Patrick said. “If that means some of those professors who want to teach don’t want to come to Texas, I’m OK with that.”
Concerned citizens can contact their elected officials to ask how they will vote on the removal of CRT curriculum from universities.
