Public Schools

The Texas House on Wednesday is poised to debate a contentious bill that would create a program where public funds could be used towards private schools.

On this edition of In Black America, producer/host John L. Hanson Jr. speaks with Dr. Louis Moore, professor of history at Grand Valley State University, historian, co-host of the Black Athlete Podcast, and author of ‘The Great Black Hope: Doug Williams, Vince Evans, and The Making of the Black Quarterback.’

A judge blocked the release of the state’s 2023 school ratings after a lawsuit from more than 120 Texas school districts.

The Texas House Public Education Committee was scheduled to meet on Tuesday to take up two high priority bills which would address school funding and the creation of a school voucher plan. But the meeting was canceled late Monday night.

The bill is based on debunked claims that public schools were encouraging so-called furries. Lawmakers have used the claims to funnel public funds to private schools.

If passed, the legislation would create a program where parents could use state tax dollars toward sending their kids to private schools. While it’s a priority for many Republicans, those opposed to the idea aren’t staying quiet.

On this edition of In Black America, producer/host John L. Hanson Jr. speaks with Michelle Adams, Law professor at the University of Michigan Law School, and the author of The Containment.

House Speaker Dustin Burrows reappointed state Rep. Brad Buckley (R-Killeen) to lead the committee. Buckley tried to get school voucher legislation approved in 2023 but rural Republicans and Democrats blocked the effort.

After seven hours of debate over Senate Bill 2 on the Senate floor Wednesday, the chamber suspended rules so lawmakers could expedite the process and send it to the Texas House for consideration.

The Texas State Board of Education gave final approval Friday to a controversial new K-5 curriculum that weaves in Christian references.