Angel Ballesteros/THE RIDER
On Jan. 1, Texas Senate Bill 17 went into effect, banning diversity, equity and inclusion offices from state-funded universities and colleges.
On May 19, 2023, the Texas House of Representatives voted 83-62 in support of the bill, filed by Rep. John Kuempal (R-Seguin).
The bill ceases DEI training for faculty, students and staff. It also allows members of the university community to sue their institution if DEI training is required.
Sec. 51.603. A of the bill states that an institution of higher education may not “endorse an ideology that promotes the differential treatment of an individual or group of individuals based on race, color, or ethnicity.”
The Rider reached out for interviews with Rebecca Gadson, dean of students, and Florence Nocar, chief Equal Opportunity & Title IX 0fficer.
However, Patrick Gonzales, vice president for Marketing and Communications, spoke on behalf of Gadson and Nocar.
Gonzales said the university is committed to supporting students and the entire campus community.
“The changes we are making are because we must follow the law,” he said. “We will do our best to ensure that our campus community remains successful under the perimeters of the new law.”
UTRGV has provided other options for instances of discrimination or bias to maintain an inclusive environment through the Office of Title IX and Equal Opportunity.
“That office remains,” Gonzales said. “If anyone encounters those issues, I strongly encourage them to reach out to our Title IX and Equity office.”
The bill does not apply to private institutions in the State of Texas. State-funded institutions can shut down university-led student programs. LGBTQ+ resource centers will also be removed.
The University of Texas System provided an SB 17 Working Guidance form for all institutions that includes exceptions, such as:
–academic course instruction
–scholarly research and creative work by an institution, students and faculty
–work by other research personnel, guest speakers or performers on short-term engagement.
“Because of SB 17 any office that has diversity in the title either has to be closed or has to be renamed, and that function has to stop,” Gonzales told The Rider.
Melanie Martinez, Texas Rising organizer for the Edinburg campus, voiced her concern over the law.
“My initial reaction was instantly concerned,” Martinez said. “As a campus organizer, I want to ensure that there are plenty of resources not only for LGBTQ+ students, but people of color, and minorities in general, on campus.”
Florida and Texas are the only states to ban DEI initiatives.
Texas Rising has taken initiative in starting a queer space alliance to provide students with alternative resources.
“Queerspace is a newly created affinity group that welcomes and gives a safe space to those a part of the lgbtq+ community and allies,” according to the organization’s Instagram page.
Martinez wants to ensure that LGBTQ+ students have a safe space.
“They are specifically geared for creating a safe space for LGBTQ+ people,” Martinez said. “We started back last semester with that initiative and it’s been successful.”
In an email sent to The Rider last Wednesday, Gonzales wrote: “The Center for Student Involvement will continue to offer cultural awareness and celebratory programming under Cultural Programming and Family Involvement.”
Gonzales said “the success of everyone here on campus is still a priority of ours and still a priority of UTRGV.”
“We are committed to ensuring success while staying in the perimeters of this new law,” he said.
