Austin, Texas Today, the Senate Subcommittee on Higher Education held an interim hearing to examine critical issues we will address in the upcoming 89th Legislative Session. Texas is home to the best public colleges and universities in the nation, and the committee will continue its work to maintain the reputation, access, opportunity and influence of Texas higher education.
In the 88th Legislative Session, generational reforms were passed to ensure that Texas higher education stayed true to the mission of education and innovation, but as the 8th largest economy in the world, our work remains.
SB 17, the strongest ban on DEI in the nation was landmark legislation that caused a course correction, prohibiting divisive DEI indoctrination and required political oaths. While there has been significant progress, today’s hearing underscores the need for additional reforms to hold taxpayer funded institutions to the highest standards to ensure that merit and achievement are prioritized.
The hearing also raised important questions about the appropriate role of Faculty Senate Governance, and how these groups affect the reputation and success of their institutions.
The primary objective of public colleges and universities should always be student outcomes and success. Although only 3 members of the public weighed in today on improving K-12 pathways to higher education, the Texas Senate is committed to ensuring that every student who invests time and resources in higher education is on a clear path toward a degree and in-demand career.
The committee will use today’s insights to help craft legislation in the next session, working to ensure Texas colleges are equipped to educate the future of our great state.
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