79R4226 CAS-D

By:  Puente                                                       H.B. No. 1311



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)  An institution of higher education 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 
course completed at another public or a private or independent 
institution of higher education if the course completed at a public 
institution of higher education has been approved for purposes of 
this section by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board or if 
the course completed at a private or independent institution of 
higher education is substantially equivalent to a course approved 
for purposes of this section by the coordinating board.  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, 2007.  This subsection expires January 
1, 2008.
	SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2005.