SB17 Guidance

The 88th Texas State Legislature passed, and Governor Greg Abbott signed into law, Senate Bill 17, “Responsibility of Governing Boards Regarding Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Initiatives,” which amends Texas Education Code 51.5325 effective January 1, 2024. The University of Texas System (UT System) is developing guidance, including the following FAQs, to assist institutions with implementing the bill’s requirements.

UT System will update the FAQs as needed. UT System remains committed to supporting its community members who come to our institutions from across the state and around the world and bring a variety of perspectives and experiences.

The guidance in these FAQs is intended to be broad and will not cover every specific situation or nuance that occurs in UT System’s 14 institutions. Institutions should continue to seek legal advice from their institution’s legal office as questions arise.