Public K-12 and Postsecondary schools; prohibit DEI statements and practices.
What changed between versions
The definition of DEI was expanded to include efforts to select or influence faculty/staff composition based on race, sex, color, or national origin, and efforts to promote differential treatment based on these characteristics.
New requirement for institutions to submit annual reports to their governing boards summarizing all reported incidents and investigations by July 30, with boards required to submit compiled reports to the Legislature by October 30.
Added requirement for State Department of Education and higher education boards to teach and establish policies based on biological sex definitions from chromosomes (XX for female, XY for male).
Removed the requirement to teach that there are two genders determined by chromosomes, which was replaced with more general language about teaching based on state law definitions.
Added a formal complaint process with specific timelines: complaints must be filed within 30 days, boards must investigate within 30 days, and institutions have 25 days to cure violations before injunctive relief can be sought.
Changed funding penalty thresholds from withholding funds after more than two complaints to withholding funds only after a second or subsequent violation following final adjudication and exhaustion of appeals.
Added specific exemptions for military veterans, students with disabilities, students under child protective services orders, scholarly research, registered student organizations, and student recruitment activities.
Changed effective date from July 1, 2025 to the date of passage, and removed the requirement for a compliance report to be due by July 1, 2026.
Added specific provisions for withholding state funds from institutions that violate the act, including detailed descriptions of which funds are subject to withholding for K-12 schools versus postsecondary institutions.
