Governor Abbott warns Texas A&M’s president after claims of violating DEI ban
College Station: So, Governor Greg Abbott is really putting the heat on Texas A&M’s President Mark Welsh III. He’s threatening his job over claims that the university broke the state’s DEI ban.
This all kicked off when a conservative activist, Christopher Rufo, shared an email from the university. It invited some staff and PhD students to a conference that was only for Black, Hispanic, or Native American folks.
Someone asked Abbott and Attorney General Ken Paxton on X if they were going to let this slide. Abbott didn’t hold back, saying, “Hell, no.” He added that it’s against Texas law and the U.S. Constitution, promising it would be fixed fast or Welsh would be out of a job.
The email from A&M mentioned that their general counsel said the conference was okay under the state’s DEI ban. But, Senate Bill 17, which started last year, makes it clear that public universities can’t have DEI offices or force anyone to provide DEI statements or training.
On Tuesday, Welsh responded, saying the university would stick to the law. He emphasized that Texas A&M doesn’t support any activities that exclude people based on race or other factors. He’s committed to following the law’s intent.
This story is still unfolding, so keep an eye out for updates.
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