WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 120

Relating to prohibiting public institutions of higher education from offering programs or courses in LGBTQ or DEI studies.

89th Legislature, 2nd Called Session (2025) Introduced by Brian Harrison

Texas bill prohibits public universities from offering LGBTQ studies or DEI programs, restricting curriculum choices at state-funded institutions.

Filed
#auditor #state(v4364) #education--higher--curriculum(s0257) #education--higher--faculty(i0236) #education--higher--institutions&programs(i0223) #genderidentity&expression(s0767) #highereducationcoordinatingboard #texas(v4280) #homosexuality(s0055) #sexualorientation(s0085) #statefinances--management&control(i0748)
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 120

Legislative bill overview

HB 120 would prohibit public colleges and universities in Texas from offering academic programs or courses focused on LGBTQ studies or Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) content. The bill effectively eliminates institutional capacity to teach these subjects within degree programs or general coursework at state-funded institutions.

Why is this important

This bill directly impacts what subjects can be taught at publicly-funded universities, affecting curriculum design, faculty employment in these fields, student academic choices, and institutional autonomy. It raises questions about government regulation of academic freedom and what constitutes appropriate higher education content.

Potential points of contention

  • Academic freedom concerns: Critics argue the government shouldn't dictate what subjects universities can teach, as this conflicts with traditional academic independence and scholarly inquiry principles
  • Constitutional questions: Opponents raise First Amendment free speech concerns about restricting institutional and faculty expression through curriculum choices
  • Implementation ambiguity: The bill's scope is unclear—would discussing LGBTQ history in a literature or history course violate the ban? How would compliance be enforced and monitored?
  • Labor and recruitment: Universities may struggle to recruit faculty or could face legal challenges from existing faculty in affected departments
  • Practical education impact: Students lose access to specialized academic study in these fields, potentially affecting career preparation in social work, counseling, education, and research

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.