Student scholarships in Texas are taking a big hit from the state’s new implementation of Senate Bill 17, banning Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs at public universities and leaving some students unsure if they can still afford to go to school.
Senate Bill 17 Creates Confusion in Universities
Earlier this year, the Texas Senate passed Senate Bill 17, which bans Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs in publicly funded universities, leaving many institutions confused about how to handle the transition.
Over 130 Scholarships Frozen or Modified
Since the bill passed, over 131 scholarships have been either frozen or modified throughout the state, affecting some of the state’s largest institutions like Texas A&M and the University of Texas.
Major Universities Forced to Freeze Scholarships
According to the Dallas Morning News, Texas A&M University has frozen 80 scholarships, and the University of Texas has been forced to modify or freeze 45 of its own scholarships.
Bill’s Wording Affects Privately Funded Scholarships
Even though the bill is meant to target publicly funded DEI programs, its wording can be interpreted in such a way that these scholarships are being affected, despite the majority of them being privately funded.
Memorial Scholarships Left in Limbo
One such scholarship was meant to memorialize the son of Sam Butts by supporting minority students, but the passing of Senate Bill 17 has left the account frozen.
Senator Creighton Stands by Controversial Bill
The author of the bill, Texas State Senator Brandon Creighton, has stood by the bill despite the confusion and controversy it has brought to universities.
Universities Adjust Scholarship Language
As a result, some universities have begun changing the wording of their scholarships to avoid breaking the new law, replacing words like “minority” with “disadvantaged.”
Some Scholarships Unable to Avoid Impact
However, this cannot be done with every scholarship, like the Biotechnology Diversity Scholarship at Texas A&M, which is specifically made for black female athletes.
UT Scholarships Caught in Legislative Limbo
There is also the JoyLynn Hailey Reed Endowment for Intellectual Entrepreneurship, the Johnson-Bates Respect Scholarship, and the Inclusion Endowed Presidential Scholarship among the frozen scholarships at the University of Texas.
Efforts to Support Marginalized Students Undermined
The scholarships were part of a broader effort at the school to support students from marginalized communities, but they are now placed in limbo thanks to the new law.
UT Alum Expresses Disappointment
Michelle Diggs, a UT alum who had established a scholarship at a multicultural center, discussed the effect the law has had and highlighted her disappointment in seeing her hard work erased almost overnight.
Widespread Impact of DEI Ban on Texas Schools
Texas closing DEI programs has not only impacted scholarships but has also forced many schools to make staffing cuts and close down offices as a result.
University of Texas Closes Offices and Cuts Jobs
The University of Texas alone has already closed 21 offices, eliminated 311 positions, and canceled 681 DEI-related training sessions as a result of Senate Bill 17.
Texas Part of a National Trend Against DEI
While the impact of anti-DEI legislation is clear in Texas, this is part of a larger trend across the country where conservative lawmakers are developing bills to slash DEI programs.
Former Chief Diversity Officer Warns of Consequences
Marsha McGriff, the former Chief Diversity Officer at the University of Florida, discussed the unintended consequences of such legislative moves and the difficult positions they have placed schools within.
Accreditation and Grants at Risk Without DEI
McGriff said, “People thought it would be simple to get rid of [DEI], but many departments are remaining because you can’t get accreditation or federal grants without DEI representation.”
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