WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) released the following statement after his Blackwell School National Historic Site Act, which would establish the Blackwell School in Marfa, Texas as a National Historic site and become a part of the National Park System, passed out of the Senate:

“Texas has a rich and diverse history, and it’s time for this piece of our story to receive proper recognition,” said Sen. Cornyn. “I introduced a bipartisan bill to establish the Blackwell School as a National Historic site, making it one of the few national park sites that specifically commemorates Latino history and culture. We must ensure that this building will stand for generations, and educate Americans of all backgrounds on the progress we’ve made as a nation.”

Congressman Tony Gonzales (TX-23) introduced a version of the bill last year in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Background:

From 1909 to 1965, the Blackwell School served as the only school for children of Mexican descent in Marfa, Texas to attend. In 2019, the school was listed on the National Register of Historic Places and meets qualifications to become a National Historic Site. If signed into law, this legislation would establish the Blackwell School as one of the few national park sites specifically designated to commemorate Latino history and culture in the United States.