Supporters say diversity initiatives close educational and income gaps born from a history of prejudice. Republican officials say they prioritize identity over merit.
Stories by Texas Tribune fellows
The Texas Tribune welcomes a group of student fellows into our newsroom each spring, summer and fall. Here is a sampling of their work. Learn more about the fellowship program here.
Posted in
Demographics
Texas’ DEI bans: What to know about the term and the debate
Diversity, equity and inclusion has become highly politicized — and there’s no standard definition for what it is.
Posted in
Health care
Texas doesn’t have to place LGBTQ foster youth in homes that affirm their identities, court rules
A federal judge has blocked a Biden-era rule that said providing foster children with “safe and proper care” required placing them in gender-affirming homes.
Posted in
Public Education
Texas Senate approves bill changing how schools select library books
Senate Bill 13 would create school library advisory councils largely made up of parents. It would give school boards, rather than librarians, the final say over new books.
Posted in
State Government
Texas Senate passes bill to put Ten Commandments in public school classrooms
The vote comes amid a broader push by conservative Christians to infuse more religion into public schools and life.
Posted inPolitics
Texas Senate approves bill banning DEI in K-12 public schools
The bill would ban diversity, equity and inclusion policies related to hiring and programming, while creating ways for parents to complain about violations to the DEI ban.
Posted inPublic Education
Texas bill would ban K-12 students from using cell phones during school hours
If the proposal becomes law, Texas would follow in the footsteps of several Democrat- and Republican-led states that have enacted similar bans.
Posted inPolitics
Texas school districts hopeful lawmakers will help plug $1.7 billion gap in special education funding
Proponents say the changes would better serve special education students with widely varying needs — and help schools pay for it.
Posted in
Texas Legislature 2025
Legislature considers paying much more for school safety
Texas law requires an armed officer at each school. Districts are asking lawmakers to pay the full yearly cost, which they say is $100 per student.
Posted in
Economy
Two Texans in Congress defend CHIPS Act in the face of Trump’s criticism
Although the president has said he wants to “get rid of” the act, Rep. Michael McCaul and Sen. John Cornyn say it supports jobs and national security.