A study released by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board on Sunday revealed that diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs in Texas colleges and universities did not improve educational outcomes for black students. The findings come after Texas passed a 2023 law banning DEI programs at public higher education institutions.
Using data from 2022 and 2023, before the law took effect, the report showed that black students continued to underperform academically compared to their peers. The six-year graduation rate for black students at four-year colleges in Texas was 51 percent, compared to 73 percent for white students and 83 percent for Asian students. Retention rates also showed disparities, with only 78 percent of black students remaining enrolled after their first year, compared to 94 percent of Asian students.
In terms of GPA, 77 percent of black students achieved above a 2.0 after their first year, compared to 93 percent of Asian students, 91 percent of white students, and 82 percent of Hispanic students.
“Ensuring all Texas students have the opportunity to succeed will directly strengthen our workforce and economy,” the report stated. “While it’s too early to assess the impact of SB 17, continuous monitoring of student outcomes is critical to improving efficiency and maximizing the potential of our future workforce.
A report by the Daily Caller that covered the study noted how the board intends to release studies on the impact of Texas’ law every two years. These studies will continue reviewing whether application, retention, graduation rates, and GPA change.
When Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed the bill banning DEI offices and programs at public colleges in 2023, the bill’s sponsor, State Senator Brandon Creighton, said it was the “most significant ban on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) in higher education in the nation.”
“With this bold, forward-thinking legislation to eliminate DEI programs, Texas is leading the nation, and ensuring our campuses return to focusing on the strength of diversity and promoting a merit-based approach where individuals are judged on their qualifications, skills, and contributions,” Creighton said.
