Texas Scorecard by Katy Marshall June 19, 2023
The legislation will defund universities that continue implementing diversity, equity, and inclusion policies.As college students across Texas head home for the summer, Gov. Greg Abbott signed legislation prohibiting public universities from creating diversity, equity, and inclusion departments. However, there are certain loopholes in the law.
Over the past few years, universities and other public institutions have created DEI departments and councils to promote divisive racial policies. Although seemingly innocuous, DEI initiatives are commonly associated with the controversial critical race theory. Activists in these departments often push for equal outcomes instead of equal opportunities.
Senate Bill 17 by State Sen. Brandon Creighton (R–Conroe) bans Texas’ public universities from establishing a DEI office, using DEI criteria in their hiring practices, or requiring employees or prospective employees to attend DEI trainings.
However, the restrictions do not apply to academic instruction, student organizations, student admissions, guest speakers, or scholarly research.
The measure requires a representative from each state-funded university to testify before lawmakers, detailing their compliance with the law every legislative session.
“The elimination of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion offices will result in millions in savings for taxpayers and restore a culture of free inquiry, meritocracy, equal opportunity, genuine innovation within Texas higher education,” said Creighton.
SB 17 will go into effect January 1, 2024.
More:
https://texasscorecard.com/state/texas-governor-signs-law-requiring-public-universities-to-end-dei-practices/
