A Texas law banning diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives at public higher education institutions will take effect on Jan. 1.
Senate Bill 17 stipulates that universities are prohibited from establishing diversity offices, employing individuals specifically for DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) responsibilities, or mandating DEI training as a prerequisite for university admission or employment. The legislation mandates that all hiring procedures must be devoid of considerations related to color or gender, emphasizing a “color-blind and sex-neutral” approach.
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Gov. Greg Abbott signed the bill into law on June 14, making Texas the second state in the country, after Florida, to ban such diversity initiatives in public higher education.
Houston-area Sen. Brandon Creighton, R-Conroe, filed the bill. In a June statement he said that it would promote a “merit-based approach” and “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.”
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Here are the changes Houston’s public higher education institutions have made to comply with SB 17.
University of Houston
On August 23, the University of Houston announced the closure of the LGBTQA Resource Center and the Center for Diversity and Inclusion, and the opening of the new Center for Student Advocacy and Community. Five employees moved into news roles due to this change.
The mission for the Center for Student Advocacy and Community is: “The Center for Student Advocacy and Community reduces barriers that inhibit academic and personal success by identifying areas of need, providing connections to resources, and supporting student-led programs and initiatives that strengthen our community.”
Find more information about the Center for Student Advocacy and Community here.
San Jacinto College
To comply with SB 17, San Jacinto College closed its office of diversity, equity, and inclusion and reassigned its employees. The college released this statement to KPRC 2:
As with all state requirements, San Jacinto College is committed to operating within the scope of SB17. To this end, the College has spent many hours working with outside counsel, other colleges and universities, and elected officials to ensure we are fully compliant with the requirements of this bill.
Previously, we did have an office of diversity, equity, and inclusion, but the office has been dissolved, and those employees have been reassigned within the College. College programs and activities continue to promote access and belonging for all San Jac students, and employment practices are within the parameters established by SB 17.
As always, our top priority is serving our students and employees and continuing our critical work of providing a quality education for thousands of students.
KPRC 2 has also reached out to Houston Community College, Texas Southern University, and Prairie View A&M University for information on the changes they’ve made to their DEI offices or staff roles.
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