Move FM Global News

AUSTIN, Texas: Texas Governor Greg Abbott has signed into law a measure that will close the diversity, equity and inclusion offices at all state-funded colleges and universities in the state.

Potentially the most significant ban on diversity offices in higher education in the country, the law comes as the US Supreme Court is expected to ban colleges and universities from considering race as a factor in their admissions decisions later this month.

Under Texas law, any public college or university will no longer be able to receive state funds if it does not certify it is in compliance with the measure.

The law is the latest in the efforts of Texas Republican lawmakers and fellow party member Abbott, and comes amid criticisms that diversity, equity and inclusion, or DEI, efforts are divisive and anti-white.

In a statement, State Senator Brandon Creighton, a Republican who was one of the bill’s authors, said, “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.”

In response, proponents of DEI claim they can help people from different backgrounds work together.