Principle Criteria
Free Enterprise
Property Rights
Personal Responsibility
Limited Government
Individual Liberty
Digest
HB 2311 amends the Education Code to regulate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives at public institutions of higher education. The bill restricts the use of state funds for DEI programs and mandates compliance reporting by university governing boards. It clarifies that institutions may still highlight efforts to support first-generation, low-income, and underserved students when applying for grants or accreditation. Exemptions to the restrictions include academic instruction, scholarly research, student organizations, and student recruitment. The bill also requires periodic compliance audits by the state auditor and imposes funding penalties on institutions that violate its provisions. Additionally, it mandates a biennial study on the impact of these restrictions on student outcomes, with a report submitted to the legislature every two years until 2029.
Author (1)