Abbott appoints ombudsman to enforce DEI ban in higher education institutions

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( The Center Square) – Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has appointed a new ombudsman to enforce a state prohibition on “diversity, equity and inclusion” (DEI) policies at higher education institutions in Texas. 

The Texas legislature created a new office to enforce state prohibitions on higher education institutions using DEI curriculum and policies after complaints continue to be made about faculty and institutions still using them. 

SB 37, filed by former state Sen. Brandon Creighton, created the Office of Ombudsman at the Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) to serve as an intermediary among higher education institutions, the legislature and members of the public to receive and investigate DEI complaints.

SB 37 passed the legislature this year, was signed into law, and became effective Sept. 1.

“I signed a law creating a new office to investigate complaints that universities and colleges aren’t following laws we passed or the ban on DEI,” Gov. Abbott said. “The compliance officer has now taken office. He will aggressively require universities comply with the law.”

Abbott appointed Brandon Simmons as the first director of the new ombudsman’s office to lead the THECB. Abbott previously appointed Simmons to serve on the Texas Southern University Board of Regents, where he was its chair for two years. Simmons is a distinguished professor of Business at Wiley University in Marshall. He was also a technology company executive, venture capitalist and corporate attorney and received his undergraduate and graduate degrees in California. 

"Texas continues to lead the nation with more top-ranked research universities and programs than any other state,” Abbot said. “In order to maintain this lead, we must place the success of Texas students first. Brandon Simmons' achievements and dedication to educate our future leaders as an entrepreneur, professor, and university chairman will help ensure Texas’ higher education institutions continue to set the national standard and prepare our students to thrive.”

Simmons’ appointment is subject to Texas Senate confirmation. The office will have five employees and a yearly budget of $786,790, according to the Legislative Budget Board. 

In response to the appointment, state Rep. Brian Harrison, R-Waxahachie, said, “Fact check: there is NO LAW banning all DEI in public universities in Texas. I’ve filed (many) bills to do that, but not one of them has been supported by the Governor, House leadership, or Senate leadership. FACT: Texas may be the biggest funder of DEI and LGBTQ indoctrination in America.” 

Harrison has regularly been exposing DEI curriculum and policies currently being used at higher education institutions in Texas.