Press contact: Johnathan Gooch, Equality Texas, (512) 922-4040, [email protected]
Austin, TX – Today Equality Texas, the Legal Defense Fund (LDF), ACLU of Texas, Woori Juntos, SEAT, and Texas Students for DEI released a report examining the impact of SB17, the 2023 law that banned diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) on public universities and colleges in Texas.
The report focuses on the lives and work of LGBTQIA+ Texans on university campuses, both faculty and students. A majority of students (78%) said they had considered leaving Texas, with a large number (52%) considering more near-term changes like leaving their university. A majority of both students (70%) and faculty (57%) have experienced hostility against the LGBTQIA+ community.
For the full report, go here.
This report comes during an increasingly polarized national discussion about the value of diversity, equity, and inclusion. New attempts to ban DEI in Texas include banning DEI from public K-12 Schools, and eliminating DEI at government agencies. Trump’s recent executive orders terminating equity-related grants and forbidding the federal government and federally-funded entities from engaging in or promoting DEI and from recognizing the existence of transgender people.
Statement from Elsie Kindall (they/she), Government Affairs Associate, Equality Texas and lead researcher on the Campus Climate Report:
“Banning DEI on Texas campuses has had a major impact on the well-being of students and faculty. A strong majority are considering leaving the state as a result of DEI bans. Intimidation from Texas lawmakers has also fostered dangerous over-compliance that threatens the freedom of professors and the academic integrity of some of our most cherished institutions. Texas is one of the most diverse states in the country, we should be celebrating diversity and fostering inclusion at our colleges and universities.”
Statement from Antonio L. Ingram II, Senior Counsel, Legal Defense Fund:
There is no question or doubt that every college and university student is entitled to learn, develop, and find community on a safe, inclusive campus that prioritizes their health, success, and well-being–yet SB17 and other threats to diversity, equity, and inclusion in Texas’ higher education landscape have posed a threat to this fundamental right. Black LGBTQIA+ students in Texas public colleges and universities have especially had to confront these dire consequences–and this report’s findings confront just how severe this reality is. Black LGBTQIA+ college and university students have a voice in shaping Texas’ future–and we remain resolute in our charge to support them in building it.”
Statement from Charelle Lett (she/her), attorney, ACLU of Texas:
“Texas thrives on the strength of our diverse communities, and our colleges should celebrate that diversity, not dismantle it. With S.B. 17, state officials and their billionaire backers are stripping away vital resources that make higher education inclusive and accessible, pushing out students and faculty who are LGBTQIA+ and people of color. Every student, staff, and faculty member—no matter their race, gender, or background—deserves the freedom to learn and work in an environment that values their identity and empowers them to succeed.”
Statement from Quynh-Huong N. Nguyen (she/they), Communication Manager, Woori Juntos:
“As an organization that works alongside impacted Asian and im/migrant communities across Texas, Woori Juntos (Woo-ree Hoon-tohs) recognizes how policies that dismantle support systems—like those detailed in this report—create real harm for LGBTQIA+ students, staff, and faculty, many of whom also navigate immigration status, language barriers, and racialized experiences. Every person deserves access to education in an environment that respects their full humanity. We remain committed to uplifting the voices of our communities and building campuses—and a Texas—where everyone can belong and thrive.”
Statement from Hayden Cohen (they/them), State Policy Director, Students Engaged in Advancing Texas:
“This policy was designed to harm my community, it was designed to take away our resources, and school communities. What I have seen as a result is our LGBTQ+ school communities growing stronger and finding ways around this. It’s made us more aware of the many other ways our government is harming us so we can advocate for ourselves. This policy has definitely shown us that a lot of our elected officials aren’t advocating in our interests so it’s on us now.”
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Equality Texas is the largest statewide organization working to secure full equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer Texans through political action, education, community organizing, and collaboration.