Texas Democrats Seek Repeal of Public University DEI Ban
HB 358 and SB 125 would overturn the law, which bars public universities from maintaining DEI offices and restricts related hiring practices and training. The bills are expected to face steep obstacles because Republicans retain control of the Texas Senate, even as Democrats take control of the state House and the governor’s office.
Republican Gov. Greg Abbott signed the ban in 2023, and it took effect on January 1, 2024. The University of Texas System said in 2024 that it had closed 21 DEI offices, cut 311 jobs tied to DEI and ended 681 agreements, initiatives and training sessions. The law permits academic teaching, scholarly inquiry and registered student groups.
The repeal effort is not the only route that could affect how universities apply the restrictions. Democratic Gov.-elect Gina Hinojosa may nominate new university regents as terms expire in February 2027, but the Republican-led Senate must confirm those appointments. Some current regents could remain in their positions until 2029 if successors are not confirmed.
Texas Public Policy Foundation representatives warned that universities could revive prohibited programs under different names and said the organization would sue to enforce the law. One of them also said Senate resistance to Hinojosa’s nominees could become a political issue, while warning that Republicans who compromise on DEI could face opposition in primary elections.
Texas Democrats Move to Undo University DEI Restrictions
Texas Democrats are putting the state’s restrictions on diversity, equity and inclusion back on the legislative agenda, seeking to let public universities restore offices and programs that the 2023 law barred. HB 358 and SB 125 would repeal the law as Democrats take control of the state House and governor’s office.
The Republican-led Senate stands in the way, leaving the bills’ prospects uncertain. The restrictions already led the University of Texas System to close 21 DEI offices, cut 311 DEI-related jobs and end 681 agreements, initiatives and training sessions, its chancellor told lawmakers in 2024.
Democratic Gov.-elect Gina Hinojosa could also influence enforcement through appointments to university governing boards as regents’ terms expire in February 2027. But the Senate must confirm nominees, and some current regents could stay in place until 2029 if replacements are not approved.
The fight is about more than whether the law is repealed: appointments could shape how universities enforce it. Texas Public Policy Foundation representatives have warned they will sue if they believe prohibited programs return under new names. The Senate’s power to block nominees could preserve the current board membership even as a new governor takes office.
Texas Democrats Target State’s University DEI Ban
Texas Democrats are making a bid to bring DEI offices and programs back to public universities, opening a fight over a 2023 law that ended those operations. HB 358 and SB 125 would repeal the restrictions, but Republicans still control the Senate and can stop the bills from advancing.
The law has already brought substantial changes: the University of Texas System said it closed 21 DEI offices, eliminated 311 DEI-focused positions and ended 681 agreements, initiatives and training sessions. It also barred DEI offices and mandatory training, while leaving exceptions for academic instruction, research and registered student organizations.
Even if the Senate blocks repeal, Democratic Gov.-elect Gina Hinojosa could seek to change university boards through appointments. Senate confirmation is required, however, and current regents could remain in their posts until 2029 if successors are not confirmed.
Texas Public Policy Foundation representatives warn that universities could try to restore prohibited programs under different labels and say they are prepared to sue. They also caution that Republicans who compromise on DEI could face primary challenges. The Senate’s control is therefore a key check on both the repeal bills and the governor-elect’s potential appointments.
Reported by Fox News, Hot Air.
