HB4143 - Relating to initiatives for first-generation students, low-income students, or underserved student populations at public institutions of higher education.

      By: Reynolds H.B. No. 4143       A BILL TO BE ENTITLED   AN ACT   relating to initiatives for first-generation students, low-income   students, or underserved student populations at public   institutions of higher education.          BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:          SECTION 1.  Section 51.3525, Chapter 51, Education Code, is   amended by amending Subsection (a) and (c) to read as follows:          Sec. 51.3525.  RESPONSIBILITY OF GOVERNING BOARDS REGARDING   DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION INITIATIVES. (a) In this   section, "diversity, equity, and inclusion office" means an office,   division, or other unit of an institution of higher education   established for the purpose of:                (1)   deliberately or intentionally influencing hiring   or employment practices at the institution with respect to race,   sex, color, or ethnicity, other than through the use of color-blind   and sex-neutral hiring processes in accordance with any applicable   state and federal antidiscrimination laws;                (2)   deliberately or intentionally promoting   differential treatment of or providing special benefits to   individuals on the basis of race, color, or ethnicity;                (3)  promoting policies or procedures designed or   implemented in reference to race, color, or ethnicity, other than   policies or procedures approved in writing by the institution's   general counsel and the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board   for the sole purpose of ensuring compliance with any applicable   court order or state or federal law; or                (4)  conducting trainings, programs, or activities   designed or implemented in reference to race, color, ethnicity,   gender identity, or sexual orientation, other than trainings,   programs, or activities developed by an attorney and approved in   writing by the institution's general counsel and the Texas Higher   Education Coordinating Board for the sole purpose of ensuring   compliance with any applicable court order or state or federal law.           (c)     Nothing in this section may be construed to limit or   prohibit an institution of higher education or an employee of an   institution of higher education from , for purposes of applying for   a grant or complying with the terms of accreditation by an   accrediting agency, submitting to the grantor or accrediting agency   a statement that:                 (1)highlights the institution's work in supporting:                       (A)  first-generation college students;                       (B)  low-income students; or                       (C)  underserved student populations ; or                 (2)     certifies compliance with state and federal   antidiscrimination laws.          SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect immediately if it receives   a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as   provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution.  If this   Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this   Act takes effect January 1, 2026.