SAN ANTONIO — Marcela Hernández is always surrounded by Chicano history, whether it’s on a mural, at a rally, or in the classroom. 

“The fact we go to events like Thanksgiving in the barrio, Cesar Chavez march, we come to San Anto [Cultural Arts] to do mural tours,” Hernández said. 

Hernández is majoring in Mexican American studies, or MAS, at the University of Texas at San Antonio.  

“The more we educate ourselves, the more we educate our community, then the more power we hold,” Hernández said. 

However, Hernández is unsure about the future. The UTSA freshman’s educational path could change course if Senate Bill 37 passes. 

“I am in my head thinking If MAS goes away, then I’ll go straight into politics and law as my major, but that is not what I want,” Hernández said. 

SB 37 would establish a board overseeing curriculum in universities across Texas — giving the governor-appointed trustees the power to eliminate degree plans if students aren’t receiving a return on their investment. 

Supporters of the bill believe it will help offer degrees of “value,” but what exactly defines value is pretty vague.

Vivek Datla, an education policy fellow with the Intercultural Development Research Association, says the bill will target classes like Mexican American studies and African American studies. 

“This bill could cause a chilling effect across college campuses in Texas,” Datla said. “It tells universities not to teach certain content areas because it could result in a student ‘adopting’ a particular set of beliefs, relating to race, racism, identity, politics.” 

The bill also allows anyone to report a school if they believe the laws aren’t being followed. Vivek says the vague language has many walking on eggshells. 

“Professors could fear teaching about controversial subjects that are outlined in this bill,” Datla said. 

Professors in Texas have been meeting privately about navigating a world where SB 37 passes, writing their fears, concerns and even meeting with attorneys like Antonio Ingram II.

“If they are told they shouldn’t teach this course, then they should ask why?” Ingram explains. “Because a law on its face should not lead to that implication.” 

Ingram says there needs to be more transparency. 

“We need to really have clear guidance on what is violative of this bill and what should still be permitted,” Ingram said. 

The Texas House revised SB 37 removing some of the stricter requirements, but a final version of the bill will be decided soon. 

Hernández believes MAS is a degree with a lot of value. 

“I got told what are you going to do with that?” Hernández explained. “I’m like this is why, the fact you are questioning me about it and not seeing the value, that’s why it’s important.”