Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI)

College professionals who support underrepresented students have seen their work suddenly thrust into the political spotlight. It's part of an effort to clamp down on diversity, equity and inclusion programs.

Oklahoma colleges and universities in the Oklahoma State System of Higher Education will be banned from using state funds for diversity, equity and inclusion activities and positions after Governor Kevin Stitt signed Senate Bill 796 into law Wednesday.

Members of the House Education Committee on Tuesday heard testimony on a bill that would ban Diversity, Equity and Inclusion programs in Texas' K-12 schools.

After two hours of debate and discussion, House lawmakers on Tuesday sent legislation to Gov. Kevin Stitt that would ban Oklahoma colleges and universities from using state funds for "diversity, equity and inclusion" jobs, activities or programs.

Paxton, along with 11 other state attorneys general, signed on to letters accusing 20 major law firms of potentially breaking state and federal law with hiring policies meant to prioritize diversity, equity and inclusion.

The bill would ban diversity, equity and inclusion policies related to hiring and programming, while creating ways for parents to complain about violations to the DEI ban.

Bills before a Senate education committee would eliminate Diversity, Equity and Inclusion programs in public K-12 schools and establish a procedure to file grievances against districts that violate the ban. These programs were established to address or end historical inequities based on race, gender, and sexual orientation.

The testing window was supposed to open on Feb. 15 but has been moved to March through May instead, according to a statement from the Air Force.