A measure signed into law by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott calls for the closure of diversity, equity and inclusion offices at all state-funded colleges and universities. This law is considered the most significant ban on diversity offices in higher education in the country, and comes amid a time when the U.S. Supreme Court is about to rule on banning the use of race as a criterion in admissions decisions at institutions of higher education, according to a Reuters article.

“Under the Texas law, signed by Abbott on Wednesday, any public college or university that does not certify it is in compliance with the measure would not be able to spend state funds allocated to it. It also mandates that state officials every two years through 2029 conduct studies to gauge the impact of the law on students broken down by race. It will look at the rates of application, acceptance, enrollments, retention and graduation, along with grade point averages. The law does not explain the reasoning for conducting these studies”, according to the publication.

The move drew criticism from the National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education, whose president, Paulette Granberry Russell, described the bill's signing as a sad occasion for all students at Texas' public universities. She argues that dismantling diversity, equity, and inclusion programs and offices at institutions of higher learning is a political choice that puts the political agenda above student success.

Russell points out that all students, regardless of their race, benefit from a diverse student body, and her organization continues to work to make Texas universities more accessible and inclusive.