Feb. 22, 2023: ”University of Texas System pauses new diversity, equity and inclusion policies”, Kate McGee, Texas Tribune.

University of Texas Board of Regents, who are political appointees by Texas Governor Abbott, halted all reviews and implementation of new DEI policies and ordered school officials to provide a report on their current DEI policies.

Feb. 13, 2023: ”Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick Announces Top 30 Priorities for the 2023 Legislative Session,”

Leader of the Texas Senate officially published his top legislative priorities and named banning CRT and DEI offices in higher education. Increases chances of legislation becoming law.

Feb. 8, 2023: “"Texas Tech reviews its hiring practices as efforts to promote diversity come under fire", Kate McGee, Texas Tribune.

Exposed Texas Tech's faculty hiring in biology dep't that rates finalists' track record, understanding, and plans to improve DEI on campus, among others. Added fuel to the fire by conservatives.

Feb. 7, 2023: "Gov. Greg Abbott tells state agencies to stop considering diversity in hiring", Kate McGee, Texas Tribune.

Beginning of public effort by Texas Republican leaders to fight against "woke DEI" policies. Memo sent to state agencies warning that using DEI in hiring violates federal and state law and hiring cannot be based on anything "other than merit."

Jan. 18, 2023: “Abolish DEI Bureaucracies and Restore Colorblind Equality in Public Universities,” Issue Brief by Christopher F. Rufo, Ilya Shapiro, Matt Beienberg, Manhattan Institute.

Key conservative think tank who have been lobbying conservative leaders to reform public universities to abolish DEI offices and initiatives. Provides model legislative language for state legislatures to file and pass into their laws.