Senate Bill 17 mandates the closure of diversity, equity, and inclusion offices on Texas campuses and prohibits mandatory diversity training, raising concerns about the inclusivity of higher education environments. Critics argue that these measures will diminish the sense of belonging for underrepresented groups and impede efforts to build diverse campuses reflective of Texas’s population.
In light of these challenges, Equality Texas has launched the LGBTQ+ Campus Climate Project to gather data on the experiences of LGBTQ+ students, faculty, and staff across Texas colleges and universities, particularly focusing on marginalized communities most likely to be affected, such as queer and trans people of color. Participants are encouraged to share their experiences through interviews and data collection, providing valuable insights into the impact of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation on campus climate.
Through collaborative engagement and data-driven advocacy, Equality Texas seeks to create a more inclusive and equitable educational environment for all members of the LGBTQ+ community within Texas universities. The LGBTQ+ Campus Climate Project invites individuals attending or working at Texas universities to contribute to this research effort by filling out this designated form.