Stories by Texas Tribune fellows

Conservative lawmakers say DEI efforts are discriminatory and push liberal ideologies on children. Critics point to research showing a diverse teacher body helps students succeed academically. Full Story 

Student discipline, uncertified teachers and school bans on DEI and cellphones are some of the topics being debated at the Texas Legislature this session. Full Story 

Concerns about measures to enforce a ban against a lawmaker’s access to voter files led the party to drop the vote, a party leader said. Full Story 

A Texas business illegally dumped industrial waste into Skull Creek in Colorado County six years ago, then residents complained to the attorney general’s office. Full Story 

Texas Republicans are pushing the federal government to pay the state’s costs of Operation Lone Star, Gov. Greg’s Abbott’s border security initiative. Full Story 

Moghe, Rutgers University’s chief academic officer, is a biochemical and biomedical engineer and a former international student. He is expected to start in his new role later this year. Full Story 

The Laredo congressman could be blocked from party campaign resources and social events if the party sanction is passed. Full Story 

A fiery debate on the House floor Friday gave way to the Senate Bill 412’s final vote. Supporters say it’s needed to protect children. Full Story 

The commission includes Ben Carson, “Dr. Phil” McGraw and religious figures. Full Story 

The Texas billionaire has said he will drop his position at Landry’s, but will continue his ownership of the Houston Rockets. Full Story 

A House bill would require school districts to hold an election before breaking into smaller entities. Full Story 

Students are concerned the legislation could silence supportive teachers, dismantle safe spaces, lead to overenforcement and prevent honest conversations about identity. Full Story 

At a Texas Tribune event, education experts discussed challenges facing Texas public schools and potential ways to solve them. Full Story 

Hours after the announcement, the Flores team said that the new candidate had been hospitalized and is now recovering. There were no details about her condition. Full Story 

Democrats argue that the bill places unnecessary hurdles on voting and could cause issues for people who have changed their name — like millions of married women. Full Story 

The former Texas congressman says his communication in the chat was lawful and did not include classified information. Full Story 

Supporters say diversity initiatives close educational and income gaps born from a history of prejudice. Republican officials say they prioritize identity over merit. Full Story 

Diversity, equity and inclusion has become highly politicized — and there’s no standard definition for what it is. Full Story 

If the proposal becomes law, Texas would follow in the footsteps of several Democrat- and Republican-led states that have enacted similar bans. Full Story 

Proponents say the changes would better serve special education students with widely varying needs — and help schools pay for it. Full Story