Texas Senate passes SB 17 to eliminate DEI in Texas higher education, stalled in the House

 

May 20, 2023 | Austin, TX

One of the most important bills passed by the Senate this session was Senator Brandon Creighton’s Senate Bill 17, a bill to end divisive Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) offices at Texas public colleges and universities.

“Texas is one of the most diverse states in the nation, and our institutions of higher education should reflect that diversity, said Senator Creighton. “However, the elevation of DEI offices, mandatory diversity statements, political litmus tests, and diversity training have the opposite effect and only further divides. DEI programs have become a million-dollar industry at taxpayer-funded institutions - yet they have made no progress advancing or increasing diversity.”

Senate Bill 17 would close DEI offices on the campuses of state-funded colleges and universities and put an end to all activities that discriminate against students based on their race, ethnicity, or gender. The bill would also prohibit diversity statements for job applicants at Texas universities and mandatory DEI training for any purpose.

SB 17 affirms the 1964 Civil Rights Act, Title VII, Title IX and the Equal Protection Clause, and does not affect any student-led organizations.

The Texas Senate also adopted a budget rider in HB 1 that prevents any state funding of DEI offices on public college campuses.

SB 17 has passed the Senate and was placed on the House Major State Calendar for May 19 but the bill has not received a final vote in the House. Click here to view the latest status of this bill.

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