This week, April 17, 2023, the Texas Senate is expected to debate and pass two bills that would take effect at all public colleges and universities in Texas on September 1, 2023:
Senate Bill 18 would eliminate granting of tenure for all faculty members;
Senate Bill 17 would ban DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion) offices, officers, programs and practices.
The Texas Senate has already passed:
Senate Bill 16, to restrict academic freedom and critical thinking in courses and research.
Penalties for violating either SB 16 or SB 17 is termination of employment, regardless of tenure status. By Friday April 21 these bills will be sent to the Texas House for deliberation.
The Defend Campaign asks HELU endorsers and supporters of academic freedom to send a letter of opposition to the TX legislature and widely disseminate the message. Read here to learn more about the impact of these bills, including talking points and references.