Relating to an exemption from certain requirements regarding diversity, equity, or inclusion initiatives for certain activities for veterans or persons with disabilities provided by public institutions of higher education and to reporting regarding those activities.
Impact
If enacted, HB4345 would require institutions to report compliance regarding the provision of services, programs, and activities that aid veterans and persons with disabilities. Institutions will need to submit data regarding these services, including any changes or discontinuations of programs, to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. This accountability measure may lead to more focused support for identified groups while potentially reducing the overarching DEI framework applied to other student services.
Summary
House Bill 4345 aims to establish exemptions from certain diversity, equity, or inclusion (DEI) requirements concerning services provided to veterans and persons with disabilities by public institutions of higher education in Texas. The bill modifies Section 51.3525 of the Education Code, specifically addressing how institutions can conduct their activities without adhering to DEI mandates that typically apply to other university programs or initiatives. The legislation emphasizes supporting veterans and individuals with disabilities in a way that does not consider race, sex, color, or ethnicity.
Contention
The bill has generated discussions around its implications for diversity and inclusion efforts within higher education. Proponents argue that the bill prioritizes the specific needs of veterans and individuals with disabilities, effectively exempting critical support programs from broader mandates that could complicate their delivery. Conversely, critics may argue that by streamlining assistance based on these exemptions, it risks marginalizing broader efforts aimed at ensuring equitable treatment across various demographics, thereby creating potential divides within the support system for students.
Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected
Education Code
Chapter 51. Provisions Generally Applicable To Higher Education
Relating to requiring public schools and public institutions of higher education to report data regarding certain arrests made on school or institution property.
Relating to the disclosure of certain gifts, grants, contracts, and financial interests received from a foreign source by certain state agencies, public institutions of higher education, and state contractors, and to the approval and monitoring of employment-related foreign travel and activities by certain public institution of higher education employees; providing civil and administrative penalties.
Relating to the disclosure of certain gifts, grants, contracts, and financial interests received from a foreign source by certain state agencies, public institutions of higher education, and state contractors, and to the approval and monitoring of employment-related foreign travel and activities by certain public institution of higher education employees; providing civil and administrative penalties.
Relating to the purpose of public institutions of higher education and a prohibition on compelling students enrolled at those institutions to adopt certain beliefs.
Relating to reporting and data collection requirements in relation to tuition and fee exemptions at public institutions of higher education for certain military personnel and their family members.