Making Meaning of Texas’ Ban on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Voices of Texas College Administrators

• In Event: Defending Diversity: Navigating Legislative Attacks on DEI in Higher Education

Abstract

On January 1, 2024, Texas legislature passed Senate Bill 17 (SB17) which prohibited public higher education institutions from having Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives on their campuses. The burgeoning literature suggests SB17 is an attack on DEI and CRT while posturing as race-neutral, however, research centering the voices and experiences of those directly impacted by SB17 remains nascent. For this reason, this qualitative research study seeks to understand how Texas administrators at public higher education institutions make-meaning of SB17. Preliminary findings suggest administrators made significant changes to their institution to comply with the law, however, some administrators remained steadfast in their efforts to support their marginalized and historically underrepresented students, specifically their Latina/o/x students.

Authors

• Jase Kugiya, University of Texas at Austin

• Luis Ponjuan, Texas A&M University

• Rodrigo Aguayo, University of Texas at Austin

• Emmet Campos, University of Texas at Austin

• Armando Lizarraga, University of Texas at Austin

• Victor B. Sáenz, University of Texas at Austin