As 2024 spring semester gets underway, students will find campus’ diversity offices closed after legislators pass a new law outlawing them at higher education institutions.
Dissolving diversity, equity and inclusion efforts at public universities: Senate Bill 17 requires public universities to end so-called diversity, equity and inclusion work. Universities will also be unable to offer training on diversity and inclusion for faculty and staff or require diversity statements in hiring processes. Universities must also confirm to the Legislature that they are in full compliance.
While the law was set to go into effect Jan. 1, many of Texas’ public universities had already begun ramping down their DEI practices and programs after the governor’s chief of staff sent a memo in February calling DEI hiring initiatives illegal.
Since the law’s passing in May, general counsels for the universities have released varying levels of guidance throughout the fall semester on how to continue to support a diverse student body while staying within the boundaries of the law.
In addition to the dissolution of DEI offices, universities have also shut down university-led student support programs as concern mounts as to whether they also violate the law, but some colleges are looking for workarounds.
The University of North Texas’ president Neal Smatresk announced in an email to students Dec. 1 that a new Center for Belonging and Engagement would be established to continue to promote inclusivity as the school’s multicultural center and pride alliance close.
The law’s restrictions do not apply to class instruction, materials needed for federal grant applications or student organizations on campuses.