Our Story
In 2023…
During the 88th Texas State Legislative Session, Senate Bill 17 (SB17) was introduced by Senator Brandon Creighton, aiming to dismantle diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) offices and programs in public higher education. Backed by Governor Greg Abbott and Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, this bill posed a direct threat to the progress and protections DEI provides for historically marginalized communities on college campuses.
In response, a group of passionate students at the University of Texas at Austin came together and formed Texas Students for DEI (TXS4DEI). What started as a campus-based effort quickly evolved into a statewide movement.
Despite our tireless advocacy, SB17 passed both the House and Senate on May 28, 2023. But our story didn't end there—it was just the beginning.
Today, Texas Students for DEI has grown beyond one campus. We are a collective of students, alumni, educators, and community members from across the state who are committed to preserving and advancing DEI in education and beyond. Together, we continue to push back against policies that seek to divide, diminish, or silence us.
This is a movement rooted in hope, powered by people, and driven by a vision of an inclusive future for all Texans.