Index
Texas University DEI Ban (SB 17)
Summary
Texas SB 17 legally bans all public colleges and universities in the state from having Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) offices or staff, and prohibits mandatory diversity training.
Rights & Rules
- 01.Public universities (like UT Austin and Texas A&M) cannot hire staff or maintain offices specifically dedicated to promoting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
- 02.Universities CANNOT require a student or employee to submit a 'Diversity Statement' (an essay about their commitment to DEI) as part of an application or hiring process.
- 03.Universities cannot mandate any training for students or staff that relates to race, color, ethnicity, gender identity, or sexual orientation, unless it is a legal requirement of a federal grant or state/federal law.
- 04.The law does NOT apply to academic course instruction, research, or student organizations (clubs).
Penalties
- 01.If a public university violates the law, the state legislature can freeze or withhold their state funding until they comply. Employees found operating a shadow DEI office can be terminated.
Verified Citations
Texas Education Code Section 51.3525
Source"An institution of higher education may not... establish or maintain a diversity, equity, and inclusion office... compel, require, induce, or solicit any person to provide a diversity, equity, and inclusion statement..."