Texas law banning DEI efforts at universities goes into effect

By Danielle De Lucia

Chief Editor of News

Texas Senate Bill 17 went into effect Jan. 1 – removing diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) offices and initiatives from public universities and colleges in the state.

Last June, the TX SB17 was signed as a law following other states like Florida, the Dakotas and Tennessee. Other states nationwide have introduced bills similar to SB17 to ban DEI funding and promotion in schools.

Governor Greg Abbott signed this bill that Sen. Brandon Creighton (R-Conroe) authored. In a news release, Sen. Creighton states:

“With this bold, forward-thinking legislation to eliminate DEI programs, 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…What sets SB 17 apart from other proposals is that the legislation delivers strong enforcement with mandates to return Texas colleges and universities to their core mission – educate and innovate.”

News release: The Texas State Senate – Press Items: Senator Brandon Creighton

SB 17 includes that academic courses, research or creative work, guest speakers, admissions, student groups and health care provisions will not be affected. Also, grants must still be eligible for first-generation college students, low-income students and underserved student populations.

SB 17 Bill: Texas-2023-SB17-Enrolled (legiscan.com)

At Texas State University, changes went into effect Aug. 1. “We are prohibited from establishing or maintaining a DEI office, we can’t and don’t ask for diversity statements from applicants and we do not require diversity training,” said Sandy Pantlik, VP of Marketing and Communications at TXST.

TXST media statement:

● In an effort to promote engagement, connection, and belonging, the Division of Inclusive Excellence provided support, community-wide programming and activities for students and student organizations. All TXST students and student organizations can still find that support from the Department of Student Involvement and Engagement and other departments in the Division of Student Success.
● Employees from the former Division of Inclusive Excellence who worked with student success initiatives and were employed at the time of the reorganization were given the opportunity to be reassigned to new positions in the Division of Student Success or in other areas of the university.
● Texas State continues to support students with a robust range of services, programs and activities.
● As President Damphousse wrote in his July 28 email, “I believe these changes will allow us to continue to honor our history and unique identity by enrolling and graduating a diverse student body, creating a welcoming university community, and providing a rich student experience that will prepare Bobcats for life and success during their time at TXST and beyond.”

With the passage of SB17, the bill demonstrates the current opposing viewpoints in American politics on how higher education systems should function.

Texas Legislative Black Caucus posted a statement to X, formerly known as Twitter, about how DEI programs are vital to “providing support, guidance and advocacy for students from underrepresented backgrounds, including Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) Communities.”

“The absence of state-funded DEI offices on college campuses creates a jarring disconnect, depriving students of invaluable resources and support systems that were essential in ensuring a conducive learning environment for all,” states the Texas Legislative Black Caucus statement.

The Black Caucus and partners will continue to advocate for their commitment to engage in dialogue, create change and safeguard the rights of every Texan student in higher TX education institutions.

TX Black Caucus statement: @txblackcaucus

For more details about SB 17, view the legislation here.