So the Texas House is failing to support DEI programs. This is concerning for all the reasons presented in my previous post. When DEI programs are part of the very fabric of our colleges and universities, this is profoundly concerning and wrong-headed for various reasons, including a jeopardizing of research funds to our universities that are not only necessary and prestigious, but help keep the building lights on.
Lord, forgive them for they know not what they do.
That's an appropriate post-Easter statement to make.
-Angela Valenzuela
Texas House OKs ban on use of state money for 'unconstitutional' DEI programs in colleges
The version of the state budget approved by the Texas House last week bans using state funds for “unconstitutional” diversity, equity and inclusion programs and policies in public colleges and universities.
In a 136-10 vote, the House on Thursday passed House Bill 1, a $302 billion state budget for fiscal years 2024-25 that would provide billions in funding for higher education. However, if the House proposal becomes law, colleges won’t be able to use any state money for “the design, implementation, or administration” of DEI practices and programs.
“This prohibition includes, without limitation, the hiring and supervision of employees, mandatory or recommended training, or programmed activities,” the proposal states.
The bill bans DEI policies if they don't comply with Sections 3 and 3a in Article I of the Texas Constitution. Section 3 states that everyone has equal rights and no one is entitled to special privileges, while Section 3a mandates that "equality under the law shall not be denied or abridged because of sex, race, color, creed, or national origin."
More:Texas GOP lawmakers are targeting DEI in colleges. Here's why some students are concerned.
In March, the Texas House Committee on Appropriations added the DEI funding ban, as proposed by Rep. Carrie Isaac, R-Dripping Springs, in a draft version of the chamber's budget. State senators have approved adding similar language in Senate Bill 1, their proposed budget, but the full Senate has not yet voted on that bill.
After the Senate approves its budget bill, if it is different from the House bill, the drafts will be forwarded to a conference committee with members from both chambers to produce a single bill for the House and Senate to vote on and send to Gov. Greg Abbott for final approval. The state Constitution requires lawmakers to pass a balanced budget.
Several Texas Democrats have called to strike the DEI funding ban from the budget, with Rep. Victoria Neave Criado, D-Dallas, filing an amendment with such language, but her proposal failed in a 83-64 vote. Neave Criado said the ban violates the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and that DEI programs help prevent discrimination in the hiring process.
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