89R14696 KJE-D
By: Shofner H.B. No. 4349
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to prohibiting a public institution of higher education
from providing funding to a student organization that promotes
diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Subchapter Z, Chapter 51, Education Code, is
amended by adding Section 51.991 to read as follows:
Sec. 51.991. PROHIBITION ON FUNDING STUDENT ORGANIZATION
THAT PROMOTES DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION INITIATIVES. (a)
In this section:
(1) "Diversity, equity, and inclusion initiative"
means an initiative based on providing differential treatment or
special benefits to individuals on the basis of race, color, or
ethnicity.
(2) "Institution of higher education" has the meaning
assigned by Section 61.003.
(3) "Student organization" includes any organization
that is composed mostly of students enrolled at an institution of
higher education.
(b) An institution of higher education may not provide
funding to a student organization that:
(1) adopts a policy based on a diversity, equity, and
inclusion initiative;
(2) holds a program or event, including a third-party
event, based on a diversity, equity, and inclusion initiative;
(3) has an office or officer dedicated to promoting
diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives; or
(4) promotes a diversity, equity, and inclusion
initiative.
(c) A person aggrieved by a violation of this section may
file a complaint with the attorney general.
(d) The attorney general may file an action for injunctive
relief against an institution of higher education to compel the
institution to comply with this section.
SECTION 2. This Act applies beginning with the 2025-2026
academic year.
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, 2025.