87R3571 MWC-F
 
  By: Gervin-Hawkins H.B. No. 2465
 
 
 
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 
AN ACT
  relating to requiring cultural inclusion curriculum as part of the
  enrichment curriculum for public schools.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  Section 28.002(a), Education Code, is amended to
  read as follows:
         (a)  Each school district that offers kindergarten through
  grade 12 shall offer, as a required curriculum:
               (1)  a foundation curriculum that includes:
                     (A)  English language arts;
                     (B)  mathematics;
                     (C)  science; and
                     (D)  social studies, consisting of Texas, United
  States, and world history, government, economics, with emphasis on
  the free enterprise system and its benefits, and geography; and
               (2)  an enrichment curriculum that includes:
                     (A)  to the extent possible, languages other than
  English;
                     (B)  health, with emphasis on:
                           (i)  physical health, including the
  importance of proper nutrition and exercise;
                           (ii)  mental health, including instruction
  about mental health conditions, substance abuse, skills to manage
  emotions, establishing and maintaining positive relationships, and
  responsible decision-making; and
                           (iii)  suicide prevention, including
  recognizing suicide-related risk factors and warning signs;
                     (C)  physical education;
                     (D)  fine arts;
                     (E)  career and technology education;
                     (F)  technology applications;
                     (G)  religious literature, including the Hebrew
  Scriptures (Old Testament) and New Testament, and its impact on
  history and literature; [and]
                     (H)  personal financial literacy; and
                     (I)  cultural inclusion.
         SECTION 2.  Subchapter A, Chapter 28, Education Code, is
  amended by adding Section 28.0029 to read as follows:
         Sec. 28.0029.  CULTURAL INCLUSION CURRICULUM. (a) The State
  Board of Education shall develop curriculum on cultural inclusivity
  that a school district or open-enrollment charter school shall use
  in the district's or school's cultural inclusivity courses. 
         (b)  The curriculum must encourage:
               (1)  a student's sense of self;
               (2)  an acceptance of diversity through the
  identification and exploration of differences;
               (3)  critical thinking about bias through the
  identification and exploration of discrimination and stereotypes;
               (4)  empathy toward others; and
               (5)  advocating for oneself in the face of bias. 
         (c)  In developing the curriculum under this section, the
  State Board of Education shall consult with interested parties and
  may create a work group of volunteers to make recommendations
  regarding the curriculum.
         (d)  Before finalizing the curriculum developed under this
  section, the State Board of Education shall provide a reasonable
  period for public comment.
         (e)  Subject to rules adopted by the State Board of
  Education, a school district or open-enrollment charter school may
  tailor the curriculum developed under this section as appropriate
  for the district's or school's community. In tailoring the
  instruction, the district or school shall solicit input from the
  State Board of Education, the agency, community members, and other
  interested individuals or organizations.
         SECTION 3.  This Act applies beginning with the 2021-2022
  school year.
         SECTION 4.  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, 2021.