Texas Gov. Greg Abbott signed two education bills into law this week that abolish diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) offices in public universities and reform tenure.
The bills’ author, Sen. Brandon Creighton (R-Conroe), said in a press release, “Education is the greatest equalizer in our nation, and Texas is home to world class and innovative colleges and universities. The decisions we make for higher education today determine our Texas of tomorrow.”
“Now that these bills are law, institutes of higher education are better equipped to prepare the next generation of leaders, and keep Texas the economic engine of the nation,” he continued.
Senate Bill 17 forbids any public university office from “promoting differential treatment of or providing special benefits to individuals on the basis of race, color, or ethnicity” and “promoting policies or procedures designed or implemented in reference to race, color, or ethnicity.”
Additionally, universities may not “compel, require, induce, or solicit any person to provide a diversity, equity, and inclusion statement or give preferential consideration to any person based on the provision of a diversity, equity, and inclusion statement.”
“Texas is leading the nation, and ensuring our campuses return to focusing on the strength of diversity and promoting a merit-based approach where individuals are judged on their qualifications, skills, and contributions,” Creighton declared.
“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,” he added.
SB 18 reforms the tenure system in public universities by providing clear requirements and guidelines for ending a professor’s tenure.
University policies must “allow for the dismissal of a tenured faculty member at any time after providing the faculty member with appropriate due process” if it is determined that the faculty member has “exhibited professional incompetence,” “repeatedly failed to perform duties,” “engaged in conduct involving moral turpitude that adversely affects the institution,” or “engaged in unprofessional conduct,” among other infractions.
“Guaranteed, lifetime employment is now a thing of the past at Texas public colleges and universities,” Sen. Creighton explained. “This legislation will be a model for the rest of the nation, ensuring that Texas students have hard-working professors who focus on quality instruction and groundbreaking innovation.”
“The reforms in SB 18 will modernize the costly and antiquated tenure system, opening up a new era of competition and performance in Texas higher education,” he concluded.
The laws drew resistance from some legislators, who alleged they would undermine the ability of universities to teach effectively.
Rep. Ron Reynolds (D-Missouri City), chairman of the Texas Legislative Black Caucus, criticized the bills, saying, “Texas took two massive steps back in the realm of higher education in the form of these two pieces of legislation.”
“SB 17, which bans DEI, sends a distressing message that Texas, a state which has the largest population of African Americans, is unwilling to confront systemic inequities and provide an inclusive learning environment for all students,” he continued.
“By stifling open discussions on race, gender, and social justice, this legislation denies our young minds the opportunity to understand the diverse world they live in and perpetuates the cycle of ignorance and discrimination,” Reynolds alleged.
Regarding tenure reform, Rep. Reynolds suggested that it “erodes the very foundation of higher education in Texas. Tenure has long protected academic freedom, allowing scholars to explore controversial and groundbreaking ideas without fear of reprisal.”
“Ending tenure as we know it undermines the pursuit of knowledge and undermines the intellectual rigor necessary for a thriving society,” he added.