NW Houston News

Congressman Crenshaw has introduced a new bill aimed at preventing universities from receiving federal funding if they require students to write Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) statements. The legislation comes in response to the perceived spread of antisemitism on college campuses and aims to protect free thought and prevent the enforcement of such statements.

"We can see the utter moral bankruptcy in higher education with the spread of antisemitism on college campuses," said Congressman Crenshaw. "Make no mistake – the DEI bureaucracy is directly responsible for a toxic campus culture that separates everyone into oppressor vs oppressed. That’s why I am dropping legislation to protect free thought and prevent federal funding for universities that force students to write diversity, equity, and inclusion statements."

The State of Texas recently passed a law limiting DEI initiatives at public universities within the state. Congressman Crenshaw's bill builds on this effort by blocking federal funds under the Higher Education Act for any universities that require their students to write or endorse DEI statements against their will. The bill also includes provisions to prevent these statements from being used as a condition for employment or enrollment.

It is important to note that the legislation clarifies that it does not infringe on classroom instruction or compliance with antidiscrimination law. The aim is to address the specific issue of mandatory DEI statements and their potential impact on free thought.

The bill introduced by Congressman Crenshaw is part of a larger ongoing debate surrounding DEI initiatives in higher education. While supporters argue that these initiatives are necessary for promoting inclusivity and addressing systemic inequalities, opponents raise concerns about potential limitations on free speech and the enforcement of ideological conformity.

The full text of the bill can be found on Congressman Crenshaw's official website. As the debate continues, it remains to be seen how this legislation will progress and what impact it may have on universities and their DEI practices.

To learn more, click on this link: https://crenshaw.house.gov/2023/12/crenshaw-introduces-bill-stripping-federal-funding-from-universities-that-require-dei-statements