Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Dubbed a “parent rights” bills, Senate Bill 12 bans DEI programs in K-12 schools — and prohibits clubs LGBTQ+ students say are vital resources.

Tuesday was the first day of school for many North Texan students. School districts not only welcomed new students, they’re also managing new laws, from a bill ending DEI policies to another calling for parent-populated library book councils.

A split Fort Worth City Council voted Tuesday night to suspend diversity, equity and inclusion-related initiatives in an effort to comply with requirements of the Trump administration and protect millions of dollars the city receives in federal grants.

The Dallas City Council unanimously authorized the city manager to review programs to ensure they comply with President Donald Trump's executive order targeting DEI.

City staff said a vote to adopt the resolution would have made Fort Worth comply with President Donald Trump’s executive order to end DEI initiatives in local government or risk losing federal financial assistance.

Fort Worth City Council members will vote June 24 on a resolution to suspend the city’s diversity and inclusion department.

Trustees will discuss changes to accommodate Senate Bill 12, which would ban Diversity, Equity and Inclusion program in K-12 schools. Proposed new wording could lead to “robust” discussions.

Backers of Senate Bill 12 call Diversity, Equity and Inclusion programs illegal and discriminatory. Opponents of SB12 say soon-to-be banned DEI programs offered solutions to long-standing discriminatory policies.

The council says it will have to make changes to its naming and policies to avoid confrontation with federal and state governments hostile to DEI initiatives.

Senate Bill 12's supporters say DEI programs use class time and public funds to promote political agendas.

Members of the House Education Committee on Tuesday heard testimony on a bill that would ban Diversity, Equity and Inclusion programs in Texas’ K-12 schools.

Texas Woman’s University, founded in 1901 by the state to advance women’s education, is now feeling pressured to downplay its women and gender studies program.