Dallas ISD leaders and students testify at State Capitol in favor of statewide implementation of African-American Studies Course

The Dallas ISD Racial Equity Office and Language, Literacy, and Social Studies Department took a delegation of staff and students today to the State Capitol in Austin to provide public comment in support of the statewide implementation of Dallas ISD’s African-American Studies Course.

After students from Trinidad “Trini” Garza Early College High School, New Tech High School at B.F. Darrell and Pinkston High School talked about the impact the course has had on their lives, the State Board of Education gave a standing ovation. Dallas ISD this school year launched the African-American Studies course at 16 schools, and it provides culturally relevant and important information to students.

“Today was a historic day,” said Leslie Williams, Racial Equity Office deputy chief. “It represents the years of work that the district and community members have put in to make African-American Studies accessible to students in the district and throughout the state.”

State Senator Royce West and Trustee Joyce Foreman also testified in favor of the course, speaking with students beforehand about the power of civics and how important it was for them to be there.