The implementation of Senate Bill 3 risks perpetuating the spread of disinformation surrounding American racial history and race relations through censoring schooling on Critical Race Theory.
By Luci Garza and Aima Riaz
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 7, 2022
TEXAS — In May of 2021, House Bill 3739 was passed by a vote of 79-65 and was signed into law on September 1, 2021. The bill censors Texan public school history teachers by restricting what can be said and taught on issues relevant to Critical Race Theory.
Since, House Bill 3739 has evolved into Senate Bill 3, which targets both teachers and students in their participation in education. SB 3 not only concerns the history of race in the US but also encourages teachers to avoid initiating discussions on women's rights and suffrage.
Clara Ence Morse, education journalist for The Austin Chronicle, remarked that there is a duality between Critical Race Theory legislation in different states across the country, especially between New York and Texas. She also asserted that many Texas public school teachers she has communicated with have recently become increasingly worried about how the bill will affect their ability to teach their students.
Students who take legislative action through speaking out against the Bill in any way risk losing credit for their completed course.
Senate Bill 3 was later enacted as effected on December 2, 2021.
Teens for Press Freedom Media Relations Director Sami Campana-Gladstone said, "This bill not only limits the lens in which students observe the past of this country and its foundations, but it actively censors and conceals the truth about America's racist past. By examining this country’s long-standing history with race, students are able to have a more dynamic, empathetic understanding of our current world and contemporary race relations. TPF recognizes it is vital to spread awareness of the harmful legislation being passed in Texas and throughout the country to ensure teens nationwide can access the same, veritable information about our country’s history.”
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