Texas Governor Greg Abbott has issued an executive order requiring all Texas state agencies to stop using Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policies. Abbott says he wants to make sure everyone is treated equally, with advancement based solely on merit and not race.
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Abbott says that DEI programs “divide us rather than unite us.” He argues these policies go against the Constitution, which bans discrimination based on race. He believes Texas should focus on talent and qualifications when making decisions, not race-based preferences.
“These radical policies deviate from constitutional principles and deny diverse thought,” Abbott said. “Every Texan is equal under the law, including the state and federal Constitutions, both of which prohibit government discrimination based on race. That is why I directed all state agencies to eliminate any form of DEI attempting to divide Texans. We must always reject race-based favoritism or discrimination and allow people to advance based on talent and merit.”
This order builds on a law passed in 2023 that banned DEI practices at Texas public universities. That law prohibited universities from using policies that favor one group over another, and Abbott’s new order expands that idea to all state agencies.
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The full impact on state agencies and programs relying on federal funding for DEI initiatives isn’t clear yet. Some people think this will help refocus attention on merit-based advancement, but others worry it could set back efforts to promote diversity and inclusion.
The debate over DEI is ongoing across the country. Some say these programs limit opportunities for certain groups, while others argue they’re needed to address systemic inequalities.
Governor Abbott’s decision is part of that larger conversation about fairness, merit, and race.
