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The Journey Continues

Noted in the last update, there have been duplicated Texas House Bills calling for the “repeal of certain requirements regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives at public institutions of higher education”. Two Texas Representatives, John Bucy (HB393) and Ron Reynolds (HB3295) filed bills in November 2024, and February 2025, respectively. Bills may sometimes be duplicated during a Legislative Session for two reasons, according to Daniel at Equality Texas’ Youtube channel. A Senate Bill and House Bill may be duplicated to increase the odds of passing through at least one legislative process from the Senate and House successfully. When a House bill is duplicated, it can be due to representatives making a statement that their proposed bill is important to them and their constituents. At this time, HB393 nor HB3295 have progressed in the legislative process as they remain in the Higher Education Committee. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion offices within education have faced closure due to President Trump’s Executive Orders of “Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing”, according the US Department of Education’s website. The webpage claims that the department is working to “end discrimination based on race and the use of harmful race stereotypes, both within the agency and throughout America’s education system”, however, combating discrimination is what DEI initiatives work towards. Nationally, at least “16 anti-DEI bills have become law” since 2023 according to Council on Social Work Education, which includes Texas SB17, the bill Bucy and Reynolds aim to repeal. It seems the fight for a more equitable and just society, especially in education, will have to face these setbacks by fighting harder over. Advocating for the rights of marginalized individuals to be seen, respected, and included will be an invaluable uphill battle.

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Progress: It's A Process

On February 28th, 2025, Rep. John Bucy’s HB393 was read and referred to the House Committee on Higher Education.

Rep. Ron Reynolds [D] of Texas House District 27 filed a duplicate bill calling for the “repeal of certain requirements regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives at public institutions of higher education.” HB3295 was filed on February 25, 2025, read and also referred to the House Committee on Higher Education on March 20th, 2025.

House Committee on Higher Education members include: Chair: Rep. Terry M. Wilson [R] Vice Chair: Rep. Donna Howard [D] Members: Rep. Aicha M. Davis [D] Rep. Suleman Lalani [D] Rep. Stan Lambert [R] Rep. Vincent M. Perez [D] Rep. Matt Shaheen [R] Rep. Joanne W. Shofner [R] Rep. Tony Tinderholt [R] Rep. Gary VanDeaver [R] Rep. Charlene Ward Johnson [D]

An interesting aspect of the Higher Education Committee was found when searching party affiliation per member. According to their profile photos on the Texas Tribune, Republican members of this committee, or six of the 11 members, were of the same race—Caucasian. Of the remaining five members who claim the Democratic party, which is known for advocating “for the civil rights of minorities” (Britannica, 2024), four of them are minorities. The current HB393 calls for the repeal of a bill that rids higher education of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in their hiring processes, programs, and activities, while the members assigned to oversee the bill themselves lack a marginalized perspective. This aspect may be of no surprise in a majorly republican state such as Texas. However, this makeup of committee members on an already out of reach institution for many marginalized communities such as minorities, LGBTQ+, veterans, disabled individuals, and more, is itself an example of the need for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion everywhere.

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Follow up

Texas House Bill 393 has not progressed in the legislative process as it remains in Stage 1: Filed.

This bill calls for the repeal of Texas’ Senate Bill 17 from 2023, which passed into law that institutions of higher education remove DEI offices and programs in Texas. SB17 defines a diversity, equity, and inclusion office within higher education as:

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;

Promoting differential treatment of or providing special benefits to individuals on the basis of race, color, or ethnicity;

Promoting policies or procedures designed or implemented in reference to race, color, or ethnicity…;

Conducting trainings, programs, or activities designed or implemented in reference to race, color, ethnicity, gender identity, or sexual orientation…

From a social work perspective, promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within higher education had a great impact on community members. DEI offices within universities created a space where faculty and programs implemented on campus matched backgrounds and identities of students. Higher education is a protective factor in human development, and has not always been accessible to marginalized groups. First generation Americans, immigrants, racial groups, LGBTQ individuals and more, have faced barriers in achieving college educations. Especially when navigating the inner workings of college life, having faculty and staff that “look like” the students in regards to gender, race, identify, and culture can contribute to feelings of dignity, connection, empowerment. Having an office dedicated to this function is impactful, which is why the passing of HB393 is critical.

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During the 88th Regular and Special Texas Legislative Session, Senate Bill 17 was introduced and processed into Texas law. This bill called for the prohibition of diversity, equity, and inclusion programs in state-funded higher education entities of Texas. The Texas Tribune explained that Texas lawmakers perceived programs embracing diversity, equity, and inclusive policies and training “indoctrinated students” (2024) to left-leaning principles that support diversity over “merit and achievement” (2024). SB17 was sponsored by 14 Texas Senate Republicans and 3 Texas State Representatives. It was signed into law by governor Greg Abbott on June 17th, 2023 and created section 51.3525 of the Texas Education Code. This law became effective on January 1st, 2024.

House Bill 393 was filed on November 12th, 2024 by Democrat John Bucy soon after his re-election in the Texas House of Representatives in the November 2024 cycle. He represents District 136. His bill calls for the repeal of SB17.

“Bill Title: Relating to the repeal of certain requirements regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives at public institutions of higher education.” (https://legiscan.com/TX/text/HB393/2025)

The repeal of SB17 promotes furthering access to higher education and representation of a diverse group of students. Ideals of diversity, equity, and inclusion make higher education accessible to individuals of all races, socioeconomic status, and backgrounds. HB393, if it progresses in the legislation session, can bring about hope for Texas residents.

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