EY In documents obtained by the Tribune, university leaders in Texas expressed the range of steps they’ve taken to comply with the state’s ban on diversity, equity and inclu- sion offices at public higher education institutions. But complying hasn’t been easy and some institutions worry the law conflicts with certain requirements needed for them to receive federal funds.
Why is this important?
Texas colleges depend on billions of dollars in federal grant money to help pay for research, a major pillar for some that can help recruit high-quality faculty.
Also, many federal grants require applicants to describe their efforts to make their fields more diverse or explain how their research can help underserved communities.
Universities with accredited status — which indicates quality education programs and allows students to access federal financial aid - are required to get their accredita- tion recertified every 10 years.
All public universities must prove they’re meeting an accrediting agency’s standards.
This can include DEI requirements.
So, what are universities doing? Some universities are leaning toward other initiatives to help them respond to diversity-related questions in federal grant applications without running afoul of the Texas law.
At the University of Houston, administrators recom- mended officials emphasize in federal applications the school’s compliance with non-discrimination laws and efforts to support low-income and first-generation students.
