I cannot stay silent in the face of Gov. Greg Abbott’s relentless attacks on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in our schools. His call to ban DEI initiatives in K-12 education under the guise of fighting “indoctrination” is not only misguided but deeply harmful to the very fabric of our state.
DEI programs are not about division—they’re about ensuring that every student, regardless of race, gender, or background, feels seen, valued, and supported. These programs address critical inequities that persist in Texas education. For example:
- Advanced Placement (AP) Access: Black and Latino students in Texas are disproportionately underrepresented in advanced coursework. According to a 2021 report by the Education Trust, only 29% of Latino students and 30% of Black students were enrolled in AP courses compared to 54% of white students statewide.
- Disciplinary Disparities: Black students in Texas are far more likely to face suspension or expulsion compared to their white peers. A study by the Civil Rights Project at UCLA found that Black students accounted for 26% of suspensions, despite making up only 13% of the student population statewide.
- Teacher Diversity: A 2022 Texas Education Agency report revealed that 72% of public school teachers are white, while Black and Latino students collectively make up over 60% of the student body. DEI initiatives help bridge this gap by encouraging more diverse hiring practices.
Abbott’s narrative undermines the lived experiences of marginalized communities and dismisses the essential role these initiatives play in fostering equity and understanding in education. DEI programs provide critical training for teachers to recognize and address implicit biases. “When educators are aware of how their unconscious biases affect students, they can create more inclusive environments where every child has the chance to succeed,” said Dr. Kimberly Williams, an education consultant who has worked with school districts across Texas.
This decision comes as Texas schools are already grappling with severe financial challenges, largely exacerbated by a legislature more interested in pushing vouchers than investing in public education. The state ranks 43rd in per-student spending, according to the National Education Association, spending just $10,342 per student annually, well below the national average of $13,185. Abbott’s focus on banning DEI does nothing to address these structural issues.
“Dismantling DEI programs sends a clear message that our state leaders are not interested in equity,” said Michelle Brooks, a Houston educator. “It’s not just about politics; it’s about the futures of millions of kids who deserve better.”
The governor’s willingness to roll back progress on inclusion reflects a troubling prioritization of political posturing over the well-being of millions of students. To disregard the importance of DEI is to disregard the voices and needs of Black, Latino, LGBTQ+, and other underrepresented communities that have historically been excluded from educational opportunities.
Houstonians remember the resilience it took to overcome systemic barriers in our own schools, from desegregation battles to community-driven efforts to ensure equal access to education. We know the importance of lifting up every child, not just a select few. Abbott’s actions don’t just threaten DEI—they threaten our progress, our stories, and the values we hold dear as Texans.
As civil rights icon and Texan Barbara Jordan once said, “Education remains the key to both economic and political empowerment.” Abbott’s efforts to erase DEI threaten to lock the doors of opportunity for many, but our voices and our actions can ensure they remain open for all.