In the 88th Texas legislative session, the Texas legislature passed SB 17, which prohibits all state-funded colleges and universities from establishing or maintaining diversity, equity, and inclusion offices, and bans the hiring or assignment of an employee to perform the duties of a DEI office. The language of the bill can be read here. The Texas A&M University System’s implementation of SB 17 is addressed in System Policy 08.01, Civil Rights Protections and Compliance.

The purpose of the DEI Law Operations Manual is to outline the procedures to be followed by members of The Texas A&M University System (System) to facilitate compliance with Texas Education Code 51.3525 (DEI Law), as implemented by System Policy 08.01, Civil Rights Compliance and Protections.

Responsibility for ensuring compliance with the requirements of SB 17 has been assigned to System Compliance Officers for each member university and agency.

This manual is developed by the System Ethics and Compliance Office (SECO) in coordination with the System Office of General Counsel (OGC). This document is the property of the System and may not be used for commercial purposes. This manual serves as an appendix to System Regulation 08.01.01, Civil Rights Protections and Compliance.

Pursuant to SB 17, a DEI Law Response Procedures protocol has been established for members to follow upon receipt of reports of potential violations of or inquiries under SB 17.

The Office of General Counsel (OGC) has created FAQs to guide System universities and agencies on the implementation of Senate Bill 17 and revised System Policy 08.01. Many of these FAQs are drawn from questions submitted by A&M System faculty and staff. 

These FAQs were issued on September 6, 2023.

The following checklists and certification forms have been developed to aid A&M System universities and agencies in complying with the requirements of the law.

Compliance Review Checklist – Athletics
Compliance Review Checklist – Faculty Affairs
Compliance Review Checklist – Finance and Budgeting
Compliance Review Checklist – Human Resources
Compliance Review Checklist – Internal Controls and Monitoring
Compliance Review Checklist – Scholarship and Financial Aid
Compliance Review Checklist – Student Affairs
Compliance Review Checklist – Websites and Social Media

Compliance Review Checklist – ECO (Annual Review by Compliance Officers)
Compliance Certification Form – CEO (Draft Version)
Compliance Certification Form – Department Acknowledgement