Savion Horn, a student at Grand Prairie High School near Dallas and a descendant of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, had never before explored the history of Native American boarding schools in depth. These schools, established by the U.S. government in the 19th and 20th centuries, aimed to assimilate Native American children and erase their cultural identity. Horn’s exposure to this history came through the American Indian/Native Studies (AINS) class, which was introduced in the Grand Prairie school district in 2021.
The creation of the AINS course followed the Texas Board of Education’s 2018 push for more ethnic studies classes, building on the success of a Chicano/Mexican American studies class launched in 2015. By 2020, the Native studies class was approved as an “innovative course,” allowing it to be adopted by other districts. However, the political climate in Texas shifted in 2021, leading to new state laws that limited discussions on race, ethnicity, and gender in education. This included Senate Bill 3, which mandated that teaching on controversial issues be done “objectively.”
Despite these challenges, advocates fought for the course’s continuation. Organizations like the Ethnic Studies Network of Texas and the Society of Native Nations, as well as several Native nations, backed the course, emphasizing its importance in providing a fuller understanding of tribal histories often omitted from standard curricula.
During a Texas education board hearing in June 2025, members debated the course’s content and its compliance with state legislation. Some expressed concerns that discussions about the Catholic Church’s role in boarding schools might be offensive to Christian students. Others questioned the necessity of acknowledging Indigenous peoples as original landowners.
Ultimately, the board voted 9-5 to renew the course for another five years, agreeing to remove a contentious passage about George Washington. The decision was seen as a victory for advocates of diverse educational content amidst ongoing debates over diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) topics.
The AINS class aims to cover aspects of Native American history often left out of traditional textbooks, such as significant legal cases and cultural contributions. Since its introduction, the course has seen growing enrollment, expanding to other districts besides Grand Prairie. Teachers like Kimberly Rafalski, who helped launch the course, have found value in learning alongside students, tackling difficult topics, and celebrating Indigenous resilience.
Despite resistance from some board members, who cited issues with the portrayal of historical figures and institutions, the course remains active, with supporters now pushing for its standards to become part of Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills. As more districts consider adopting the class, advocates hope to ensure its continued presence in Texas education, expanding understanding of Native American histories and contributions.
Source: The Hechinger Report
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https://hechingerreport.org/inside-the-fight-to-save-texas-native-american-studies-course/
