Texas Bill to Give State Sweeping Oversight of Public University Curricula

Texas would give gubernatorially appointed boards new authorities over the curriculum required of students.
Texas Bill to Give State Sweeping Oversight of Public University Curricula
Students prepare for a lecture at the University of Texas in Austin, on Feb. 22, 2024. Brandon Bell/Getty Images
Bill Pan
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A bill that awaits Texas Gov. Greg Abbott’s signature would give his appointees unprecedented oversight of the state’s public universities, including the power to reject any course they consider ideologically biased or that doesn’t align with workforce demands.

Senate Bill 37, which advanced to the governor’s desk on June 2, would establish a state-level committee tasked with recommending which courses should be required for graduation. It would also significantly empower each public university system’s board of regents, whose members are appointed by the governor.