Here’s what the Texas DEI ban means for college students this fall
When students return to Texas public universities this fall, some of the support programs or staff they may have been used to will no longer be there.
Senate Bill 17, signed into law in 2023, forced colleges across the state to dismantle their diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) infrastructure — and the ripple effects are still unfolding.
So what does this actually mean for students returning to campus in August? For some, it may mean a quieter campus, fewer support systems and tougher questions about belonging.
Here’s what’s gone, what’s still in place, and what you can do if you experience discrimination on campus.
What exactly did Texas ban?
SB 17, which went into effect on Jan. 1, 2024, requires all public universities in Texas to eliminate anything tied to DEI, including:
Dedicated offices or departments
DEI-specific staff positions
Mandatory training programs related to identity or bias
Hiring practices that consider race, gender identity or sexual orientation
Diversity statements in job applications
A year after the law took effect, state lawmakers took a closer look.
During a Senate hearing in early 2025, chancellors from Texas’ seven public university systems confirmed that most campuses had already dismantled their DEI infrastructure months before the official deadline.
In total, more than 35 physical offices were shut down, and more than 350 part-time and full-time DEI-related jobs were eliminated statewide, according to the hearing report.
What’s changed for students on campus?
From office closures to renamed centers and scaled-back celebrations, here’s what’s shifted for students this fall:
1. Support centers have been renamed or restructured.
UNT Denton’s Multicultural Center is now the Center of Belonging and Engagement.
Texas A&M, UT Austin, and the University of Houston eliminated or absorbed their DEI offices into general student services.
Texas Woman’s University shifted former DEI funds into first-generation student programs.
2. Some staff and advisors are gone.
At UT Austin, 60 DEI-related staff members were laid off. The Division of Campus & Community Engagement was dismantled completely.
3. Scholarships for underrepresented students are frozen or modified.
UT Austin reevaluated at least 15 scholarships, including those created for historically underrepresented or LGBTQ+ students.
4. Cultural programming has been cut or downsized.
Events like Pride celebrations and cultural graduation ceremonies are now often left to student-led groups, many of which no longer receive university funding or staff support.
An Equality Texas survey found that more than half of LGBTQ+ students surveyed considered transferring, and nearly 80 percent thought about leaving Texas altogether due to the impact of SB 17.
Can students still protest these changes?
Yes, but with new limitations.
In June 2025, a separate law, Senate Bill 2972, imposed tighter restrictions on student protests at public universities. The legislation came in response to increased demonstrations following the Israel-Hamas war. It gives university leaders, most of whom are appointed by the governor, broad authority to define when and where protests can happen.
Here’s what’s changed:
Protests are limited to designated “free speech zones,” and no longer allowed across all outdoor spaces.
Time limits apply: No protests allowed between 10 p.m. and 8 a.m., or during the final two weeks of each semester. That means no finals week walkouts or late-night sit-ins— two common protest tactics.
Only current students and employees are allowed to participate in on-campus demonstrations.
Students are barred from using amplified sound during class hours if it disrupts operations or intimidates others.
Encampments, flag desecration, face coverings, and masks intended to conceal identity are prohibited.
Protesters must show identification if asked by campus officials or police.
Critics of the law argue that it discourages free speech, especially for students already feeling the impact of DEI rollbacks.
What hasn’t changed?
Despite all the changes, not everything is gone. Here’s what still remains:
Student-led cultural groups are still allowed: Organizations like Black Student Unions and LGBTQ+ student orgs can still host meetings and events, as long as they remain open to all and aren’t DEI-funded.
Enrollment trends for minority students haven’t dipped: Most Texas public universities were already using race-neutral admissions. In Fall 2024, many including UNT, TWU, and Texas State saw continued growth among Hispanic, Black, and Asian students, according to WFAA.
Support for low-income and first-gen students is still permitted: SB 17 does not ban outreach based on income or family education history, so schools have redirected resources accordingly.
What should I do if I experience discrimination?
If you believe you’ve been discriminated against on campus, here are some steps to take:
- Start with your school’s internal complaint process: Most colleges still have an Office of Equal Opportunity or Student Affairs department where you can file a formal complaint.
- Escalate to a state or federal agency if needed. The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) accepts complaints. You can also file with the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights.
- Keep documentation: Save any emails, materials, or messages related to your case. Specific, dated information will help support your complaint.
- Know the deadlines: In some cases, you’ll need to file within 180 days of the incident.
- Seek legal guidance if needed: Consider talking to a civil rights attorney if your case is complex or ongoing.
