The Battle over Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)

Students of color are the majority enrolled in public schools and higher education institutions. Yet, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in higher education are under assault through racial and ethnic distortions and harmful legislation catalyzed by Senate Bill 17. Under the guise of promoting meritocracy and colorblindness, SB17 has enabled universities across the state to dismantle DEI programs and curriculum revamping that threatens an ever-widening campaign of racial/ethnic, cultural, and linguistic suppression. It will lessen Latino faculty representation and leadership, as well as enrollment and graduation of the majority workforce for a future Texas. Eliminating DEI programs will also worsen structural barriers to higher education and economic mobility.