AUSTIN, Texas — Public schools in Texas would describe slavery to second graders as "involuntary relocation" under new social studies standards proposed to the state’s education board.
A group of nine educators submitted the idea to the State Board of Education as part of Texas’ efforts to develop new social studies curriculum, according to the Texas Tribune. The once-a-decade process updates what children learn in the state’s nearly 8,900 public schools.
“The board -- with unanimous consent -- directed the work group to revisit that specific language,” Keven Ellis, chair of the Texas State Board of Education, said in a statement, according to the Tribune.
Board member Aicha Davis, a Democrat who represents Dallas and Fort Worth, raised concerns during a June 15 meeting that the term wasn’t a fair representation of the slave trade. The board sent the draft back for revision, urging the educator group to “carefully examine the language used to describe events.”
“I can’t say what their intention was, but that’s not going to be acceptable,” Davis told the Tribune on Thursday.
Part of the proposed draft standards obtained by the Tribune say students should “compare journeys to America, including voluntary Irish immigration and involuntary relocation of African people during colonial times.”
The board is considering curriculum changes one year after Texas passed a law to eliminate topics from schools that make students “feel discomfort.”
The state's public education system has become heavily politicized in recent years, with lawmakers passing legislation to dictate how race and slavery should be taught in schools and conservative groups pouring large amounts of money into school board races.
Texas drew attention for a similar situation in 2015, when a student noticed wording in a textbook that referred to slaves who were brought to America as "workers." The book’s publisher apologized and promised to increase the number of textbook reviewers it uses.
lions_reed_lions on July 1st, 2022 at 05:21 UTC »
So what would Texas call those people who were "involuntarily relocated" and the people who owned them?
GalisDraeKon on July 1st, 2022 at 05:15 UTC »
“Revolution? How did this happen?”
“Don't know. But the Arena's mainframe for the Obedience Disks have been deactivated and the slaves have armed themselves.”
“Ohhh! I don't like that word”
“Mainframe?”
“No. Why would I not like "mainframe?" No, the "S" word!”
“Sorry, the "prisoners with jobs" have armed themselves.”
“Okay, that's better.”
EightandaHalf-Tails on July 1st, 2022 at 04:46 UTC »
At least they haven't completely lost their minds, even the Republicans on the board rejected it. But the fact that it was proposed in the first place is troubling.