78R8079 JSA-D
By: Chavez H.B. No. 2555
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to requiring a course in multicultural or gender studies
in baccalaureate degree programs at public institutions of higher
education.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Subchapter F, Chapter 51, Education Code, is
amended by adding Section 51.305 to read as follows:
Sec. 51.305. MULTICULTURAL OR GENDER STUDIES REQUIREMENT.
(a) An institution of higher education as defined by Section 61.003
may not award a baccalaureate degree to a student unless the student
successfully completes at the institution a course of at least
three semester credit hours in multicultural studies or gender
studies approved for that purpose by the Texas Higher Education
Coordinating Board.
(b) For purposes of this section:
(1) multicultural studies may include a general
examination of multicultural experiences, perspectives, or other
aspects of a pluralistic society, including studies examining
multiple religious traditions, beliefs, or perspectives, or
studies that consider or recognize a broad range of cultural,
ethnic, or religious perspectives or contributions in a specific
topic, field, or discipline; and
(2) gender studies may include a general examination
of the roles, history, experiences, or contributions of individuals
from the perspective of gender, or similar studies in a specific
topic, field, or discipline, and may include studies focusing on
the significance of gender in any field or discipline.
(c) The institution may determine that a student has
satisfied the requirement of Subsection (a) on the basis of credit
granted to the student by the institution for a substantially
equivalent course completed at another public or private
institution of higher education. The institution may not allow a
student to satisfy that requirement on the basis of the student's
successful completion of an examination for course credit.
(d) This section does not apply to a baccalaureate degree
awarded before September 1, 2005. This subsection expires January
1, 2006.
SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2003.