Time Sensitive—Texas House Democratic Caucus hosts Special Hearing on Free Speech tomorrow, 10AM, Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025

Friends:

The Texas House Democratic Caucus will hold a Special Hearing on Free Speech tomorrow, Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at 10:00 AM.

If you wish to provide testimony, please register at the following link: txhdc.co/testify.

Please note: Registration is only for individuals who plan to testify before the committee.

If you would like to watch the hearing, you may livestream it here: txhdc.co/watch.

I and others are testifying. Please feel free to share the livestream link—or the flyer attached—on your social media networks.

-Angela Valenzuela

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

Exciting News! The Texas SBOE will soon hear African American Studies: View Sign-Up Instructions Here

Dear Ethnic Studies Friends and Advocates:

Exciting News! The Texas SBOE will soon hear African American Studies.  At this point in the process, AAS TEKS Standards are getting developed.  Please read all pertinent info below. Sign-up happens on Nov. 8, 2019 for the following week of testimony.  We hope that K-12 students and college students show up and testify on why Ethnic Studies: African American Studies is necessary in our public schools.

Native American Studies will be up next for consideration, it appears.  Making progress here in Texas.  Please share with your networks!

-Angela Valenzuela

NOV8

Public Hearing Sign-Up: African American Studies at Texas SBOE

Nov 8 at 8 AM – Nov 11 at 5 PM William B. Travis (WBT) State Office Building, 1701 N. Congress, room 1-109, Austin pin https://tea.texas.gov/About_TEA/Lea... Hide Map The Texas State Board of Education will hear public testimonies for an Innovative Social Studies Course for African American Studies that is currently being considered for inclusion in the state TEKS Catalogue for Social Studies and Ethnic Studies. The hearing will take place between Nov. 12 and 15th. The exact day and agenda will be posted here: https://tea.texas.gov/About_TEA/Leadership/State_Board_of_Education In order to speak at the public hearing, you will have to sign up at the following link: https://tea.texas.gov/About_TEA/Leadership/State_Board_of_Education/SBOE_Meetings/Public_Testimony_Registration_Instructions_and_Procedures However, you will need to sign up between Friday, Nov. 8th at 8 am and Monday, Nov. 11th at 5 pm. Make sure to sign up as speaking "For" the course even if you have suggestions for modification. SBOE members need to know that there is broad support for this course, that it makes a positive impact on students, and that it needs to address the full complexity of African American history and culture. Aim to bring 15-18 copies of your statement to the hearing so that you can give a copy to each board member. Please bring students, parents, and teachers to make their voice heard. To review the course standards, click here: https://tea.texas.gov/sites/default/files/African%20American%20Studies_2019.pdf Note:  You may also register by calling (512) 463-9007 or in person at the William B. Travis  (WBT) State Office Building, 1701 N. Congress, room 1-109, Austin, Texas 78701  during this time frame. Late registration is available on-site up to 30 minutes prior  to the start of the meeting.  Keep up via Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/2309344172508973/