Governor Greg Abbott threatened the job of Texas A&M University President Mark Welsh III for saying the college violated the state’s ban on variety, fairness and inclusion packages.
The menace got here after conservative activist Christopher Rufo shared a college email inviting some workers members and graduate college students to attend a convention that restricted attendance to Black, Hispanic, or Native American individuals.
On Monday, somebody requested Abbott and Attorney General Ken Paxton on X whether or not they would tolerate the conduct.
“Hell no,” Abbott he replied hours afterward X, previously referred to as Twitter. “It is towards Texas legislation and violates the United States Constitution. The scenario shall be resolved instantly in any other case the president will go away quickly.”
A&M’s e-mail stated the college’s normal counsel confirmed that the convention complied with the state’s DEI ban.
Senate Bill 17took impact final yr, prohibits public universities not solely from having DEI places of work, however from requiring anybody to offer a DEI assertion or take DEI coaching and from granting preferential therapy on the idea of race, intercourse, coloration, ethnicity or nationwide origin.
On Tuesday, Welsh launched a declaration that the college “will proceed to honor each the letter and intent of the legislation.”
“Texas A&M doesn’t help any group, convention, course of or exercise that excludes individuals primarily based on race, creed, intercourse, age or another discriminatory issue,” the assertion learn. “The intent of SB-17 may be very clear on this regard. We will proceed to honor each the letter and intent of the legislation.”
This is a growing story; Check again for particulars.
The Texas Tribune companions with Open Campus on greater schooling protection.
Disclosure: Texas A&M University has been a monetary supporter of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan information group funded partly by donations from members, foundations and company sponsors. Financial supporters haven’t any function in Tribune journalism. Find an outfit list them here.
