Black and Latino lawmakers have criticized the recent order by Governor Greg Abbott that directed universities and state agencies of Texas to eliminate diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) policies in their hiring practices.

At a Tuesday morning press conference at the state capitol, legislators from the Texas Legislative Black Caucus and Mexican American Legislative Caucus, as well as representatives from the Texas NAACP organization and religious leaders across the state, weighed in on Governor Abbott's assertion that the DEI's policies are illegal. According to activists, this statement is incorrect, a "lie" and a form of "deviation" in addressing the problems faced by Texans.

According to the Texas Tribune, “they also asked that the National Football League, National Basketball Association, Major League Baseball and the NCAA not to host championship games in the state until the governor rescinds his guidance to agencies and universities.” Additionally, "lawmakers said Abbott's values ​​do not reflect those of Texas and accused the governor of using people of color in a political struggle with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis to be the most 'Trumpian' politician."

On Monday, Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick also announced that eliminating "discriminatory diversity, equity, and inclusion policies in higher education" is one of his top legislative priorities.

State Representative Ron Reynolds (D-Missouri City), chairman of the Texas Legislative Black Caucus, called these priorities misguided and an appeal to a far-right base in the Republican Party. Reynolds reported, according to the Texas Tribune, that higher education leaders in the state are afraid to speak out on the issue, adding that he has received texts from many who said they did not want to publicly voice their concerns and appreciated that the Caucus was outspoken in supporting diversity. “They feel that they will be targeted and could lose their job or funding,” he said. “Diversity, equity and inclusion policies are developed to provide guidance in workplaces, government offices and university campi on how to increase representation and promote an environment that emphasizes fair treatment to groups that have historically faced discrimination. DEI policies may include providing resources for underrepresented groups such as people with disabilities, LGBTQIA+ people and veterans. When hiring, they may include setting diversity goals or boundaries to ensure diverse pools of applicants,” according to the same article. "The governor's directive represents the latest effort by Republican leaders to fight academic policies and disciplines that they have described as liberal policy indoctrination in higher education." President Lyndon B. Johnson banned employment discrimination based on race, sex, religion, and national origin as part of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 during a time when people of color, especially black Americans, were excluded from higher-paying jobs and other opportunities.