Texas Democrats are attempting to reimpose diversity, equity, and inclusion bureaucracies on taxpayer-subsidized universities during the 90th Legislative Session.
House Bill 358, a measure filed by State Rep. John Bucy (D–Cedar Park), would repeal Section 51.3525 of the Texas Education code. Identical legislation was filed in the Senate by State Sen. Jose Menendez (D–San Antonio).
That section was added in 2023, when state lawmakers passed legislation prohibiting DEI in university human resource policies and several other aspects of university governance. Academic course content was never subject to this law.
DEI policies were imposed across a wide swath of American society following the May 2020 death of George Floyd, a drug addict who died with a lethal amount of fentanyl in his system while in police custody.
The Texas Public Policy Foundation has argued that DEI distorts history, inflames racial tensions, and stifles free speech.
The 2023 law will remain on the books unless state lawmakers affirmatively repeal it.
The 90th Texas Legislative Session will begin on January 12, 2027. Democrats will control the Texas House. Republicans will control the Texas Senate.
