Anti-CRT, Senate Bill 3—a more severe version of HB3979—was heard in the State Affairs Committee today 7.15.2021

Today was a full day in the Texas State Legislature that involved testimony in State Affairs Committee on Texas' anti-CRT bill (or Senate Bill 3). Note: the bill doesn't actually say "Critical Race Theory" in it, but that's what this is about. It is similar to House Bill 3979 from the last legislative session, but goes beyond not addressing controversial topics in social studies K-12 classrooms to now include the entire K-12 curriculum in the state of Texas. Yes, extreme.

This is, of course, a hearing that will get heard before the entire Senate sometime soon, perhaps over the weekend. It is expected to pass. The house will take this up if and when the dems return from D.C. As this is unlikely, the bill will remain “pending,” but will surely come up again either in a new special session, or in the next 2023 regular session of the Texas State Legislature. Here is the current bill status and witness List.  As you can see for yourselves, most were AGAINST this legislation. And none of those that were FOR it were teachers. Furthermore none of the teachers unions were consulted on this. Consider that TSTA has around 55 thousand members. Texas AFT has a large membership, as well. Of course, it wouldn't be for their consideration since this bill targets them, i.e., the teaching profession itself.

While I was waiting for my turn to testify in the member's lounge in the Capitol Extension, a student who had also come to the capitol to testify, let me borrow his book for this photo. My commentary in the photo is as follows: "CRT is a legitimate, interdisciplinary, anti-racist pedagogical tool and research approach. "There is nothing to fear but fear itself.” Waiting for my turn to testify against Senate Bill 3."

You can listen to the entire hearing at this link.

-Angela Valenzuela