Texas legislators have proposed two new bills, HB3979 and SB2202, that, if approved before the fast-approaching end to Texas' legislative session, will dismantle years of work by educators and administrators in the diversity, equity, and inclusion field.

HB3979 is a proposed House bill that bans teachers from discussing current events in the classroom, an important facet of learning that facilitates empathetic and difficult discourse. It also prevents teachers from providing credit for activities that encourage civic engagement, like engagement in legislative processes.

SB2202 is a proposed Senate bill that prohibits anti-bias training in education officials and bans inclusion practices related to social studies, history, government, and other humanities-related subjects. It also prevents school districts, charter schools, and state agencies from accepting private funding to collect resources or develop curriculum for social studies courses.

These two proposed bills will threaten the inclusive fabric of Texas schools. Students, educators, and constituents must take action to protest HB3979 and SB2202.