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.