IDRA Wants Families of Texas Students to Know These Laws
In 2023, Texas became the 22nd state to enact the CROWN Act. The Act is a bipartisan victory; a piece of legislation to protect all students and employees from hair discrimination on the basis of their hair texture and protect natural style. This legislation brought about an awareness that Black students, families and employees were experiencing discrimination, like students wearing braids or dreadlocks being forced to cut them off to participate in certain activities. Students should be able to show up as their authentic selves every day and not be unfairly disciplined
A strategic plan for bilingual education also came out from the Texas Education Agency. This plan came out of work IDRA (Intercultural Development Research Association) helped coordinate and support last legislative session. There were excellent recommendations, but none made it across the finish line. One in five public school students are emergent bilingual students. Some of the recommendations could have supported the bilingual teacher workforce and addressed the bilingual teacher shortage. It is essential to have a qualified and certified workforce in place to support new teachers, retain existing teachers, and create a pipeline that values bilingualism and biliteracy to support our students in high-quality bilingual programs.
HB 3, a new law in 2023, requires armed security officers on every campus. IDRA believes we must work toward safer schools by investing in the people, policies and practices that research shows help to create safe and welcoming environments. With the tragedies involving school safety on the forefront of our minds, HB 3 was the product of that conversation. The legislation really focuses on some harmful provisions as opposed to evidence-based practices that we know create safe, supportive schools. With the implementation of HB 3, IDRA encourages students and families to learn their rights about being around law enforcement and for schools to hold those individuals accountable for engaging in training, being safe and understanding the needs of the students.
IDRA has been working for fair school funding since its founding 50 years ago. This year, the legislature could have increased its investment in public education. There were proposals at the end of the spring legislative session, including some to put more money on the table for public schools, increase teacher pay, and provide incentives to attract and keep teachers in the classroom. Many of the proposals would have gone straight into public schools. But none of these passed. Legislators across the board need to hear from students and parents about how they want public funds kept in their public schools.
