Texas Bans Diversity Programs at Public Universities, Joins Florida in Controversial Move

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Texas Gov. Greg Abbott speaks after signing one of several Public Safety bills at the Texas Capitol in Austin, Texas, Tuesday, June 6, 2023. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
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In a controversial move, Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed SB17 into law effectively banning diversity, equity, and inclusion offices, programs, and training at publicly funded universities. Under the new law, universities in Texas are prohibited from establishing diversity offices or hiring employees specifically for DEI work. Furthermore, DEI training cannot be required as a condition for hiring or admission. 

Set to take effect on January 1, 2024, the law also stipulates that university leaders cannot utilize state funding until they comply with its provisions. Additionally, university governing boards are required to establish policies for disciplining employees who violate the law.

Sameeha Rizvi, left, a student at University of Texas at Austin, talks with fellow student Amanda Garcia at the Texas Capitol on Thursday, April 6, 2023, in Austin. Rizvi said she has benefitted from diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives in Texas that are now a target of Republican lawmakers nationwide. (AP Photo/Paul Weber)

Notably, the Texas Tribune reports that universities will receive $700 million in additional funding only after the signing of both SB17 and SB18, which pertains to the future of faculty tenure in Texas.


Click play to listen to the report from AURN White House Correspondent Ebony McMorris. For more news, follow @E_N_McMorris & @aurnonline.

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