BILL ANALYSIS
By: Giddings
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE
African-American history, and the contributions of Blacks to the greatness of this nation, have been under-emphasized in the curriculum of our schools, our junior colleges, and our universities. Lawmakers and educators should do more to ensure that there are courses available in African-American studies.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.
ANALYSIS
SECTION 1. States that the governing board of a public junior college district located in one or more counties with a substantial African American population shall evaluate the demand for and feasibility of establishing an African American studies program or other course work in African American studies at one or more junior colleges in the district.
Provides that with the approval of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, the governing board may also establish an African American studies program or other course work in African American studies at any of those colleges if the governing board determines that such a program or course work is desirable and feasible.
SECTION 2. Effective date.
EFFECTIVE DATE
This Act takes effect immediately if it receives a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this Act takes effect September 1, 2005.