Texas House Passes Bill to Ban DEI Policies in Schools

• The bill is expected to give parents more control over what children need to learn in schools.
• The morale of LGBTQ+ youth will be decidedly affected by this decision.
• The Texas DEI ban would take effect in September if approved.

In a heavy blow to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), the Texas legislature approves a bill to ban DEI policies in public K–12 schools.

The bill, which already received the approval of the Texas Senate, is nearly becoming a law in the state.

The soon-to-be law will stop considering criteria such as race, ethnicity, gender identity, or sexual orientation when hiring staff, as well as prohibit DEI-related training programmes unless those are required under federal law. Also, parents need to give written consent before their wards join school clubs, and they can file complaints if the schools violate the new regulation.

Those who cheer for the bill, including Rep. Jeff Leach, say that this provision will give parents more control over their children’s method of education. They also say that the legislation will expand a 2021 Texas law that purged the teaching of critical race theory and reined in the development of political ideologies in schools.

Sen. Brandon Creighton claims that millions of taxpayers' money are being used to fund DEI programmes, which have political agendas.

READ MORE: Mental Health in Spotlight as FC Barcelona Celebrates Diversity Month

On the flip side, those who support DEI opine that getting rid of DEI programmes will put marginalised students, especially LGBTQ+ youth, with their backs against the wall, leaving them completely bereft of safe and supportive spaces.

Ash Hall, a policy and advocacy strategist for LGBTQIA+ rights at the American Civil Liberties Union of Texas, said,"Without DEI, you're going to see more students who might think that they are alone."

Even though Democrats tabled amendments to mitigate the impacts of the bill, they were outright rejected. Some of these included a proposal to continue teaching about slavery in schools, allowing educators to opt out if they feel such teachings contradict their beliefs or ethics.

The only amendment that got a green light, introduced by Leach, allows employees fired for violating the DEI ban to appeal the decision. It also explains that schools can hire candidates from specific ethnic groups to uphold diversity in recruiting, and that does not constitute a violation.

ALSO READ: US Companies Quietly Rebrand DEI as Backlash Grows

The bill’s earlier version included provisions to cut funding from schools that did not comply with it; however, this was later removed. The updated version requires schools to respond to parents’ complaints regarding DEI violations, and if they are not satisfied, they can approach the Texas Education Commissioner, who should hold a hearing.

The bill is only one step away from being approved, and the law would take effect on September 1.

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Source: yahoo news