UT students rally to protect equity, diversity, and inclusion.
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Gov. Greg Abbott signed a bill Wednesday that would prohibit diversity, equity and inclusion offices in Texas public colleges and universities starting in 2024.
Both chambers of the Texas Legislature approved the final version in May of Senate Bill 17, which would ban public higher education institutions from maintaining or establishing DEI offices. It also prohibits higher education institutions from requiring anyone to provide DEI statements or participate in DEI training.
The legislation defines a DEI office as one that provides different treatment to people based on race, sex, color, or ethnicity through any policies, procedures, training, programs or activities. Under the law, students or employees could sue universities for "injunctive or declaratory relief" if they are required to participate in any DEI training.
Texas students and faculty members, however, have pushed back, saying DEI offices and initiatives should remain and help people of color feel more included and thrive on campus.
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