First-Generation Student Bill Rewrites The DEI Office Ban

The text as introduced · 414 words

By: Reynolds
H.B. No. 4143

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to initiatives for first-generation students, low-income

students, or underserved student populations at public

institutions of higher education.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:

SECTION 1. Section 51.3525, Chapter 51, Education Code, is

amended by amending Subsection (a) and (c) to read as follows:

Sec. 51.3525. RESPONSIBILITY OF GOVERNING BOARDS REGARDING

DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION INITIATIVES. (a) In this

section, "diversity, equity, and inclusion office" means an office,

division, or other unit of an institution of higher education

established for the purpose of:

(1) deliberately or intentionally influencing hiring

or employment practices at the institution with respect to race,

sex, color, or ethnicity, other than through the use of color-blind

and sex-neutral hiring processes in accordance with any applicable

state and federal antidiscrimination laws;

(2) deliberately or intentionally promoting

differential treatment of or providing special benefits to

individuals on the basis of race, color, or ethnicity;

(3) promoting policies or procedures designed or

implemented in reference to race, color, or ethnicity, other than

policies or procedures approved in writing by the institution's

general counsel and the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board

for the sole purpose of ensuring compliance with any applicable

court order or state or federal law; or

(4) conducting trainings, programs, or activities

designed or implemented in reference to race, color, ethnicity,

gender identity, or sexual orientation, other than trainings,

programs, or activities developed by an attorney and approved in

writing by the institution's general counsel and the Texas Higher

Education Coordinating Board for the sole purpose of ensuring

compliance with any applicable court order or state or federal law.

(c) Nothing in this section may be construed to limit or

prohibit an institution of higher education or an employee of an

institution of higher education from , for purposes of applying for

a grant or complying with the terms of accreditation by an

accrediting agency, submitting to the grantor or accrediting agency

a statement that:

(1)highlights the institution's work in supporting:

(A) first-generation college students;

(B) low-income students; or

(C) underserved student populations ; or

(2) certifies compliance with state and federal

antidiscrimination laws.

SECTION 2. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives

a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as

provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this

Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this

Act takes effect January 1, 2026.