The bill, H.B. No. 659, mandates the inclusion of a cultural inclusivity curriculum in the social studies curriculum for public schools in Texas, from kindergarten through grade 12. It amends Section 28.002 of the Education Code by adding a new subsection (h-3), which requires the State Board of Education to adopt essential knowledge and skills that incorporate this cultural inclusion curriculum. Additionally, the bill introduces Section 28.0029, which outlines the development of this curriculum, emphasizing the importance of fostering a student's sense of self, acceptance of diversity, critical thinking about bias, empathy, and self-advocacy.

The State Board of Education is tasked with consulting stakeholders and potentially forming a volunteer work group to assist in creating the curriculum. The bill also stipulates that before finalizing the curriculum, a public comment period must be provided. Furthermore, school districts and open-enrollment charter schools are allowed to tailor the curriculum to fit their community's needs, with input from various stakeholders. The provisions of this act will take effect starting with the 2025-2026 school year, and it will become effective immediately if it receives a two-thirds vote from both houses of the legislature.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Education Code 28.002 (Education Code 28)