Thread by @jbendery

Good morning! ☕️

A thing you may have missed is that Texas Republicans just voted to effectively ban public school teachers from talking about racism, white supremacy or current events. huffpost.com/entry/texas-re…

This bill, which just passed the Texas House and is close to being on the governor's desk, states that social studies and civics teachers can't discuss the *concept* that “one race or sex is inherently superior to another race or sex."

The bill also prevents teachers from discussing the idea that “an individual, by virtue of the individual’s race or sex, bears responsibility for actions committed in the past by other members of the same race or sex."

It also states that civics teachers “may not be compelled to discuss current events or widely debated and currently controversial issues of public policy or social affairs” as part of a course... on civics. 🤔

This bill also states that teachers don’t have to take professional training ― like cultural proficiency and equity training ― if it makes them feel any “discomfort, guilt, anguish, or any other form of psychological distress” because of their race or gender.

The hell with this bill?

“The idea is to whitewash American history of any legacy of racism and white supremacy,” said Texas Democratic state Rep. @jamestalarico.

“It's going to have a chilling effect on social studies and civics teachers across the state.”

The bill is part of a broader push by conservative GOPers to pass laws to prevent teaching “critical race theory,” an academic discipline focused on the idea (the reality) that racism is an everyday experience for most ppl of color + has shaped the country’s legal/social systems.

Texas’ bill goes further than other states.

In addition to all the restrictions it puts on teachers to tell the truth about U.S. history, it prevent students from participating in any political activity. Like... engaging with their own elected officials about a given issue.

Texas Republicans are expediting passage of this bill to get it to Republican Gov. Greg Abbott to sign into law. It is one of his top priorities.

Why?

Abbott has his eye on running for prez in 2024 and wants to beef up his conservative credentials, says Dem Rep. Talarico.

“Florida and Texas are trying to outcompete each other to see who can pass the most far-right Neanderthal legislation,” said Talarico.

"The focus is not children. The focus is on scoring points with old, white voters who see the country slipping away from them demographically.”

Talarico used to be a teacher. He called this bill "heartbreaking" + a travesty" for TX kids.

“Students have the best B.S. meters. As an educator, you have to tell them the truth. This bill will prevent them from telling their students the truth about the country we live in."

Anyway-- the Texas governor is eager to sign this bill into law very soon. There are roughly ~5.5 million kids enrolled in Texas public schools.

Full story here: huffpost.com/entry/texas-re…