Dispute Over Texas History Teaching Balance Finds Temporary Resolution

An ongoing disagreement that had a significant impact on how Texas history is taught in schools seems to have found a temporary solution after dragging on for nearly a year.

The dispute revolved around the composition of the board members at the Texas State Historical Association (TSHA). According to their rules, the board should consist of an equal number of academics and non-academics, with the president holding the deciding vote. However, for the last three years, the board had 12 academics and only eight non-academics.

J.P. Bryan, a retired oilman and the executive director of the organization, argued that this imbalance caused the association's historical narratives to be skewed. He claimed that the academics were promoting stories that portrayed traditional Texas heroes in a negative light. On the other hand, critics accused Bryan of neglecting the contributions of non-Anglo communities in shaping Texas history.

Mediation Leads to Resolutions

In May, Bryan took legal action, asserting that the board was violating its own rules and that the association's president, Nancy Baker Jones, was attempting to remove him from his position. After a mediation meeting last Wednesday, Jones and Secretary Stephanie Cole agreed to step down from their roles. They will be replaced by two non-academic members, and a third vacancy will also be filled by a non-academic representative.

As a result of these developments, Bryan withdrew his lawsuit, putting an end to the impending trial. Bryan emphasized that this decision was made not out of triumph but because it was the right step to take. He argued that the board had always been balanced between academics and non-academics, and the aim was to continue conducting business as intended.

Future Steps and Impact

Bryan announced that he will be nominating three individuals to fill the vacant positions on the board. He expressed confidence that qualified candidates would emerge and that their nominations would be submitted for approval in the coming week.

Established in 1897, the Texas State Historical Association is responsible for publishing research material and educational programs about the history of the Lone Star State. Their publications play a crucial role in shaping the understanding of Texas history in schools and other educational settings.

Conclusion

The resolution of this dispute, though not without its complexities, brings a temporary end to the battle over the composition of the TSHA board. The organization's impact on how Texas history is perceived and taught makes these developments significant for educators, students, and anyone interested in the state's heritage.