Texas universities face mounting pressure from the federal government as the Trump administration intensifies its crackdown on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) policies.
The U.S. Department of Education has warned that institutions risk losing critical funding if their programs violate anti-discrimination laws, forcing universities to re-evaluate how they implement DEI initiatives.
The U.S. Department of Education announced investigations into multiple universities for alleged race-based discrimination, citing concerns over admissions, scholarships and student programs. On Feb. 14, Craig Trainor, the department’s acting assistant secretary for civil rights, stated in a “Dear Colleague” letter (and subsequently a Frequently Asked Questions document) to school administrators that race-based policies violate the Supreme Court’s 2023 ruling on affirmative action. This directive is being broadly interpreted to apply beyond admissions—potentially impacting graduation ceremonies, housing policies and student organizations.
The Trump administration’s stance signals a broader effort to dismantle DEI initiatives in higher education. Universities that fail to comply with federal directives could lose Title IV student aid, curriculum development funding and other financial support. Legal challenges against Trump’s executive orders have already emerged, with civil rights organizations arguing that these actions exceed executive authority and threaten academic freedom.
Civil rights groups, including the Legal Defense Fund (LDF), argue that the Trump administration is misapplying the Supreme Court’s ruling to push an agenda of “colorblindness” that erases programs meant to support historically marginalized students.
“They’re taking a narrow Supreme Court decision and trying to say race can’t be used in any aspect of student life,” Ingram said. “Many civil rights organizations have spoken out against this because it’s a radical and inaccurate interpretation of federal civil rights law.”
A coalition of more than sixty civil rights organizations recently sent a letter to the Department of Education demanding that the guidance be rescinded, arguing that it threatens equal education opportunities.
(Photo by Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)
The Impact on Texas Universities
Many of these institutions, particularly historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), rely on federal funding to operate programs that promote inclusion and support students of color.
Ingram warns that HBCUs like Texas Southern University and Prairie View A&M face a significant threat of losing funding due to Texas Senate Bill 17, which prohibits DEI programming in public universities and federal guidance that weaponizes Black institution history.
“Segregation was about the state forcing separation based on racial animus. HBCUs were founded because Black students were excluded from higher education. These institutions have always been inclusive,” Ingram said. “In many ways, these federal guidelines weren’t written with HBCUs in mind, but because the law applies to everyone, these schools are caught in a legal quagmire. If they fully comply, it could create existential-like deterioration of the missions for these institutions.”
Educators are feeling the effects of the crackdown. A Houston-area college educator who spoke anonymously with the Defender shared her experience, detailing the restrictions on scholarship donations and professional development opportunities.
“At my institution, we previously had groups that could donate money specifically for Hispanic students, Black students or students who are economically challenged under the heading of diversity,” the source explained. “Now, we are no longer able to do that. The foundation is encouraging unrestricted funds instead, but what if I want my donation to go to Black students?”
The anonymous source also highlighted how funding restrictions limit faculty’s ability to attend professional conferences related to African American studies or other DEI-focused areas.
“Our professional development funds are often pooled from federal sources and now we’re being told we can’t use those funds for certain conferences,” the source said. “That impacts faculty members who already struggle with costs and now have to find personal funds to attend and present at these important events.”
Another professor at a four-year institution told the Defender that grant applications have to be worded carefully to avoid direct references to race, which limits the ability to address systemic issues for research focused on racial disparities in health, education and employment.
“If faculty feel restricted in their research, it impacts students too,” the source said. “Students from diverse backgrounds need mentorship and representation in academia and this crackdown undermines that.”
How are Texas universities responding?
Texas Southern University (TSU)
Texas Southern University hasn’t specified any changes. However, it did make public a Frequently Asked Questions document explaining Texas Senate Bill 17 and what it means for the institution’s programs. TSU recently told the Defender that, “Texas Southern University is proud of its designation as a Carnegie R-2 institution. Research is central to the university’s mission. To that end, the University is closely monitoring developments related to federal research funding and working to determine the full scope of the impact on our research and the outstanding faculty, staff, and students who are conducting research on our campus.”
Prairie View A&M
Prairie View A&M University does not consider race, ethnicity or gender in scholarship awarding, as per federal law. However, the 88th Texas Legislature passed Senate Bill 17 to prohibit diversity, equity and inclusion programs at public universities by January 1, 2024. Student scholarships are not affected if awarded and administered without regard to race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin and if a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion statement is not required. SB 17 does not apply to programs for first-generation, low-income or underserved student populations. Funding used to support diversity will be redeployed to teaching and research.
University of Texas-Austin
The University of Texas at Austin has rebranded its Office for Institutional Equity to the Center for Access and Restorative Engagement, removed its Multicultural Engagement Center and Gender and Sexuality Center, created the Division of Campus and Community Engagement and Women’s Community Center, fired 49 employees with DEI-related roles, changed its Fearless Leadership Institute to be open to women of all ethnicities, removed funding and resources for student organizations, required certain groups to conduct activities off campus and on their personal time, eliminated multicultural graduation ceremonies and welcome programs for underrepresented groups and eliminated a scholarship program for undocumented students.
Texas A&M University system
Texas A&M University’s guidance prohibits diversity statements, eliminates mandatory training for race, color, ethnicity, gender identity or sexual orientation and mandates colleges to adapt programs for inclusivity.
Sam Houston State University
The school has announced that it will no longer require DEI statements or training to comply with state law requirements set by S.B. 17.
University North Texas
The University of North Texas has restructured its diversity and equity initiatives, removing the Division of Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access, creating the Center for Belonging and Engagement and transferring eight employees to other positions. The university also discontinued DEI-focused councils, committees and networking groups for diverse employees, including women, people of color and LGBTQ people. Additionally, the university discontinued various diversity-related programs and initiatives, such as the Program for Counseling Diverse Students and the PhD Project.
