BILL ANALYSIS
By: Giddings
Committee Report (Unamended)
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 universities and junior colleges. Lawmakers and educators should do more to ensure that there are courses available in African American Studies.
HB 2032 stipulates that the governing board of a public junior college district must evaluate the demand and feasibility of establishing an African American studies program or other course work in African-American studies at the junior college in that district.
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: Subchapter A, Chapter 130 of the Education Code is amended by adding language relating to an African American studies program or coursework. Provides 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 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
Upon passage, or, if the Act does not receive the necessary vote, the Act takes effect September 1, 2007.