Texas restricts how schools teach racism and current events

Texas enacts House Bill 3979 in 2021, restricting how public school teachers may discuss racism, slavery, current events, and civic issues. The law limits required discussion of concepts related to race, sex, and responsibility for past discrimination. Supporters say the law prevents political indoctrination. Critics say it chills teaching about slavery, Jim Crow, civil rights, and systemic racism. Texas later replaces and expands the restrictions through Senate Bill 3. Curriculum law becomes a major state-level battleground over public memory and how students learn about racism.