The legislation is part of Republican lawmakers' efforts to end certain DEI programs and initiatives in higher education this session. They've claimed that DEI is divisive in colleges and has a "chilling effect" on faculty and student speech. Lt. Gov Dan Patrick made Senate Bill 17, banning DEI at public colleges and universities, one of his priorities this year. The bill, originally authored by Creighton, also prohibits higher education institutions from requiring DEI statements and DEI training
