Texas Governor Signs Law Closing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Offices in State-Funded Colleges and Universities

Texas Law Bans Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Offices in Higher Education Institutions

In a significant move, Texas Governor Greg Abbott has signed a law requiring all state-funded colleges and universities in Texas to close their diversity, equity, and inclusion offices. This legislation considered the most significant ban on diversity offices in higher education nationwide, coincides with the anticipated U.S. Supreme Court ruling that may prohibit colleges and universities from considering race in admissions decisions.

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Under the new Texas law, signed by Governor Abbott on Wednesday, any public higher education institution must certify its compliance with the measure to access state funds allocated to them. Additionally, the law mandates that state officials conduct studies every two years until 2029 to assess the law's impact on students, explicitly examining application rates, acceptance rates, matriculation rates, retention rates, graduation rates, and grade point averages. However, the law needs to provide a clear rationale for these studies.

This legislation is the latest initiative from Texas' Republican lawmakers, including Governor Abbott, to reshape higher education policies. Critics of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts argue that they are divisive or anti-white, while proponents believe these initiatives foster collaboration among individuals from diverse backgrounds.

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State Senator Brandon Creighton, a Republican and one of the bill's authors, emphasized Texas' role as a national leader, stating, "Texas is leading the nation and ensuring our campuses return to focusing on the strength of diversity and promoting a merit-based approach where individuals are judged on their qualifications, skills, and contributions."

However, Paulette Granberry Russell, president of the National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education, expressed disappointment in the law, referring to it as a "sad occasion for all students at Texas' public universities." Russell emphasized the importance of a diverse student body, asserting that students of all races benefit from such diversity. She pledged to continue advocating for greater accessibility and inclusivity in Texas universities.

According to Russell's statement, by eliminating diversity, equity, and inclusion programs and offices, Texas lawmakers have prioritized a political agenda over the success of the state's students.

Overall, the law signed by Governor Abbott represents a significant shift in higher education policy in Texas, with implications for diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts in state-funded colleges and universities.