Fernanda Gonzalez
08/28/23
By Jan. 1, 2024, UTRGV will implement a plan that abides to the law banning diversity, equity and inclusion offices and programs at public universities, a UTRGV official says.
UTRGV Vice President for University Marketing & Communications Patrick Gonzales said the university is currently reviewing the legislation and is working diligently on developing an implementation plan before the law goes into effect. He said UTRGV does not know how the university is going to be impacted by the new law.
Gov. Greg Abbott signed Senate Bill 17 into law on June 17.
The law will ban diversity, equity and inclusion offices and conducting training or activities designated to implement gender, ethnicity, race, color or sexual orientation.
Texas District 4 Sen. Brandon Creighton expressed education is one of the nation’s greatest equalization factors.
In a news release, Creighton states that by eliminating DEI programs, Texas became a role model in ensuring that universities go back to focusing on the strengths of diversity and promoting a merit-based approach where students are judged on their qualifications, skills, and contributions.
Texas District 27 Sen. Morgan LaMantia talks about the discussion that was brought to the table when this bill was first introduced.
“Democrats believed that DEI the best way to get there, the program isn’t perfect, it needs to be improved upon, but it is the way towards that path goal,” LaMantia said. “Republicans saw DEI programs currently as a barrier to getting those diverse and best people in those positions of education, work, administration.”
She added Texas doesn’t know how this law will impact universities since SB 17 is so vague and broadly written.
LaMantia said universities are waiting for the board of regents from each system to develop more detailed rules and explanations on how this will come into effect.
The senator encourages students to go out and vote.
“Please, get involved in your community,” she said. “Get involved and what’s going on around you, and get involved on what is happening on the state level and the best way to do that, and to have your voice heard is to vote,” she said.
For updates on elections, visit votetexas.gov
This is Fernanda Gonzalez for Vaquero Radio.
