Texas Legislature Passes Ban on DEI Programs and Tenure Reform at Public Universities

The Texas Legislature has passed two bills related to higher education, one banning DEI offices at public universities and the other reforming professor tenure. The ban on DEI offices was revised to allow for federal law requirements and includes provisions protecting academic course instruction and student organizations. The tenure reform bill allows for tenure to be granted through the university's governing board, on the recommendation of the university's CEO and system's chancellor. The bills have sparked a range of reactions, with opponents concerned about the lack of due process provisions and broad grounds for termination.