Texas High Schools to Offer Native Studies Elective
Texas high schools can offer a Native studies elective as state officials approved the class following lengthy debates about whether such a course violated state prohibitions on DEI and critical race theory.
Those two acronyms — whose meanings have become skewed as conservative pundits seek to label them as radical left ideologies — loomed over the State Board of Education’s 9-5 vote on Friday.
Recently, Gov. Greg Abbott signed an anti-DEI law that aims to ban diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives in public schools. It came on the heels of a previous state law that bars critical race theory from classrooms.
Impact on Students
Many Texans have urged the board to look beyond politics to the impact that ethnic studies courses can have on students. Among those who spoke at this week’s meeting was 10-year-old Walter Dougherty, who said he doesn’t learn much about modern Native Americans at school.
“People talk about us like we’re gone — but we’re not. I’m right here. My brother and I are Cherokee kids growing up in Texas, and we want people to know our culture and our history,” he said.
Course Details
State board members debated whether Texas public schools should offer an American Indian/Native Studies course for state credit. Their vote on the course was repeatedly delayed, frustrating those who spent years crafting it.
The high school elective was vetted by state officials and piloted in Grand Prairie after several tribal councils and cultural organizations endorsed the class. It was initially expected to get a vote in January 2024.
Members on Friday granted the course continued “innovative” status, which would empower more districts to offer Native studies as an elective for state credit.
Community Response
The state’s legal landscape — and changing federal policy — complicated their deliberations as several community members urged them to approve the course.
Bryan Parra, a trustee from Grand Prairie schools, shared students’ feedback on the class based on surveys.
“This class makes me want to learn about others and their cultures,” one student responded. Another wrote, “It helped me by not being afraid of who I am as a Native American.”
Controversy Surrounding DEI and CRT
Many Republican lawmakers have slammed DEI in recent years, arguing that such practices come at the expense of white children. They say the concept stokes division in America. The Trump administration has threatened to withhold federal money if districts don’t confirm they’ve eliminated discriminatory DEI practices.
The influential Texas Public Policy Foundation, a conservative think tank, sent out an email blast earlier this week about the vote.
“A proposed Native American Studies course has been hijacked to portray America as oppressive, white people as villains, and Native Americans as helpless victims — twisting history into divisive political propaganda,” read the email from TPPF official Mandy Drogin.
Stephen Silva poses for a portrait with a photo of his grandmother, Eleanor Silva Brave, at Tuner Park in Grand Prairie, TX on May 9, 2022. Silva’s efforts to bring more comprehensive Native Studies into the school curriculum was largely influenced by his grandmother, who encouraged Silva to connect with their Sicagnu Lakota heritage.(Shelby Tauber / Special Contributor)
Benefits of the Course
Proponents of the class say it gives students the opportunity to learn about Native contributions to science, technology and culture. The course is intended to combat stereotypes and highlight the presence of the Native communities that still exist in Texas today.
Brandon Hall, R-Aledo, zeroed in on a section of the course that would teach students about land acknowledgments.
The class could ask students to understand “the practice of land acknowledgement statements as a way to honor ancestral Indigenous people and their local Native land histories, recall Tribal sovereignty, and recognize the continued presence of contemporary American Indian/Native peoples,” according to state documents.
Conclusion
The approval of the Native studies elective is a significant step forward for Texas high schools. The course has the potential to improve students’ academic outcomes and provide them with a more nuanced understanding of Native American history and culture.
As Walter, the 10-year-old student, emphasized, lessons on Native Americans aren’t just for kids like him. “It’s for all kids. My friends are from all different backgrounds — British, Indian, Venezuelan, Swiss, Mexican, Vietnamese,” he said. “I love learning about other people. It makes me feel smarter and like I can be a better friend.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Native studies elective?
The Native studies elective is a high school course that focuses on the history, culture, and contributions of Native American communities.
Why was the course approved?
The course was approved after a 9-5 vote by the State Board of Education, which determined that it did not violate state prohibitions on DEI and critical race theory.
What are the benefits of the course?
The course provides students with the opportunity to learn about Native contributions to science, technology, and culture, and helps to combat stereotypes and highlight the presence of Native communities in Texas.
Is the course mandatory?
No, the course is an elective, which means that students can choose to take it as part of their high school curriculum.
