By: Hughes S.B. No. 16
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the purpose of public institutions of higher education
and a prohibition on compelling students enrolled at those
institutions to adopt certain beliefs.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Subtitle A, Title 3, Education Code, is amended
by adding Chapter 50 to read as follows:
CHAPTER 50. HIGHER EDUCATION PURPOSE
Sec. 50.001. HIGHER EDUCATION PURPOSE. A public
institution of higher education must be committed to creating an
environment of:
(1) intellectual inquiry and academic freedom so that
all students are equipped for participation in the workforce and
the betterment of society; and
(2) intellectual diversity so that all students are
respected and educated regardless of race, sex, or ethnicity or
social, political, or religious background or belief.
SECTION 2. Subchapter Z, Chapter 51, Education Code, is
amended by adding Section 51.982 to read as follows:
Sec. 51.982. PROHIBITION ON COMPELLING CERTAIN
BELIEFS. (a) In this section, "institution of higher education"
has the meaning assigned by Section 61.003.
(b) A faculty member of an institution of higher education
may not compel or attempt to compel a student enrolled at the
institution to adopt a belief that any race, sex, or ethnicity or
social, political, or religious belief is inherently superior to
any other race, sex, ethnicity, or belief.
SECTION 3. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives
a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as
provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this
Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this
Act takes effect September 1, 2023.