Texas Senate Bill 37: Impacts on Higher Education Curriculum and Governance
Texas is poised for a significant shift in its higher education landscape, as lawmakers consider Senate Bill 37 (SB 37). This legislation aims to impose stricter controls over how state universities address topics related to history, race, and inequality, potentially reshaping educational curricula across Texas.
Overview of Senate Bill 37
The proposed bill has concerned many higher education experts, who caution that it may threaten funding and stifle academic freedom. The revision of SB 37, spearheaded by Senator Brandon Creighton, introduced significant changes that were not subject to public comment before being passed through the Senate’s K-16 Education Committee.
Key Provisions of SB 37
Curriculum Oversight
The legislation initially mandated annual reviews of university curricula by boards of regents, ensuring that courses did not promote specific ideologies or policies. Critics, including professors from the University of Texas at Austin, labeled this requirement as overly vague. Under the current iteration of the bill, these reviews would occur every five years with more defined criteria:
- Courses must not distort significant historical events.
- Instruction should not suggest that one race is superior to another.
- It must avoid asserting that systemic issues such as racism or privilege are inherent in U.S. institutions.
Experts believe these stipulations mirror legislative trends seen in other states, such as Florida’s Stop the Woke Act.
Reporting Mechanism for Complaints
SB 37 proposes the establishment of an ombudsman within the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, tasked with investigating claims of non-compliance with state laws. Anyone can file a complaint, leading to concerns about a potential influx of unfounded complaints against university faculty.
If the ombudsman finds a violation that isn’t rectified within 30 days, the matter may be escalated to the Attorney General’s Office, which could pursue legal action or recommend funding cuts to the offending university.
Faculty Involvement and Hiring Authority
The bill also addresses the role of faculty in university governance. While it initially restricted participation to tenured professors within certain decision-making bodies, the updated version retains faculty involvement but introduces a clause allowing for the removal of members who engage in “personal political advocacy.”
Furthermore, while university presidents will retain the authority to hire leadership roles, boards of regents can override their decisions. This reflects a shift in control over academic hiring practices, which traditionally involved broader input from faculty and staff.
Focus on Career Readiness
Another notable aspect of SB 37 is its focus on aligning degree programs with job market needs. The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board will be empowered to evaluate and rate academic programs every five years, limiting state funds for those that do not demonstrate clear returns on investment.
This legislative direction has sparked debate on the viability of various programs. Educational experts caution that phasing out disciplines perceived as less marketable could inadvertently eliminate valuable academic avenues for students.
As SB 37 progresses through the legislative process, its implications for Texas’s public universities remain significant. Educators and stakeholders are closely observing its developments, concerned about the potential erosion of academic freedom and the integrity of higher education in the state.
This article was produced in collaboration with the Texas Tribune as part of ongoing coverage of higher education issues.