Texas House bans DEI programs in public schools

The Texas House approved a bill banning diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs in public K-12 schools, impacting hiring, training, and school clubs. The bill, which passed with an 85-48 vote, prohibits considering race, ethnicity, gender identity, or sexual orientation in hiring and requires parental consent for clubs. Several Democratic amendments, including one to ensure teaching about slavery, failed. The bill, which previously passed the Senate, aims to give parents more control and builds on a 2021 ban on critical race theory. It faces further votes and potential revisions before going to the governor.