Red State Gov Signs Bill Banning Diversity Offices, Initiatives At Higher Education Institutions

Republican Texas Gov. Greg Abbott signed a piece of legislation into law Wednesday banning diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) offices and initiatives at higher education institutions, according to a Senate press release.

Under SB 17, state-funded universities must close their DEI offices and can no longer hold activities which promote one group of individuals over the other on the basis of race, gender or ethnicity. The legislation was approved by both the state House and state Senate in May before being signed into law by Abbott on Wednesday.

“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,” Republican state Sen. Brandon Creighton, the sponsor of the bill, said in a press release. “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.”