Controversial Bills Pass in Texas Senate and House Affecting University DEI Offices and School Libraries.

The Texas Senate has passed a bill that would restrict how public universities in the state can promote equitable access to higher education and cultivate diversity among students, faculty, and staff. The bill would require universities to close their diversity, equity, and inclusion offices, ban mandatory diversity training, and restrict hiring departments from asking for diversity statements. Supporters of the legislation argue that DEI offices force faculty and students to adopt certain political beliefs and prioritize social justice over merit and achievement. The bill now heads to the House.