Texas Bill That Would Ban DEI in Higher Education Inches Toward Approval

State considers following Florida's lead, as lawmakers hear testimony

Travis Ballie holds a sign in front of the U.S. Supreme Court on Oct. 10, 2012, in Washington, during arguments for and against affirmative action in the case of Fisher v. University of Texas (UT) at Austin. Mark Wilson/Getty Images

Texas is one step closer to following in Florida’s footsteps by creating a state law that would ban diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies from universities.

Opponents of DEI programs say they divide people into camps of oppressors and victims based on race, gender, sexual orientation, and others. Those in favor of DEI programs say they’re necessary to give oppressed groups justice by providing advantages they say are long overdue.