Legislative Focus

The Organization

Texas Association of Black Personnel in Higher Education (TABPHE) is a 50-year organization committed to ensure that the higher educational system in the state of Texas provides equitable opportunities and advancement for Black personnel while fostering a positive environment for Black students to successfully matriculate. 

The Problem

Negative legislation, as identified in HB 5127, HB 5140, SB 17, SB 18, and SB 2313 hurts Texas and Texans. TABPHE is requesting the 88th Legislature to vote NO! on all bills that relate to the dismantling of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in Institutions of Higher Education (IHE). The state’s commitment to Building a Talent Strong Texas must provide freedom to IHEs so that they can provide all students with training (Building a Talent Strong Texas). Showcasing a workforce that corporations are looking for to support their business structure. 

If Texas wants to attract the best corporations, then it must be intentional in Building a Talent Strong Texas. Corporate businesses are looking for a skilled workforce that is representative of the state’s diverse demography (Building a Talent Strong Texas). Texas must be willing to recruit and train workforce that demonstrates diversity, embraces equity, and respects inclusion. 

The Solution

Institutions of Higher Education (IHE) should employ an educational toolkit for employees, students, and partners that actively advance a wide variety of work credentials. Texas needs IHEs that train all ethnicities without discrimination if Texas is going to reach the goal of “Building a Talent Strong Texas.” The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) states that “60% of Texans 25-64 will need a degree, certificate, or other postsecondary of value by 2030 ” training (Building a Talent Strong Texas). Governor Abbott wants corporations to come to Texas to boost its economy, and they ask the question, “Is there an educated workforce available?” 

The Ask

Our legislators can help IHEs by NOT supporting HB 5127, HB 5140, SB 17, SB 18, and SB 2313. Such negative legislation needs to be given thought to how it hurts Texans. The importance of advancing equity for the benefit of all Texans is noted by the THECB, “In raw numbers, Texas grew more than any other state over the past decade, and more than 95% of that growth was in communities of color” (Building a Talent Strong Texas). 

Legislation relating to the dismantling of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in Institutions of Higher Education IHEs is counterproductive to the education, economics, and ethnic stratification of populations in Texas. If the state wants to build a talent strong Texas, it must support the freedom of IHEs to develop educationally and economically competitively workplace. 

The Supporters

Texas Association of Chicanos in Higher Education (TACHE), Texas Association for College Admission Counseling (TACAC) and Texas TRIO Association (TRIO) support this position. 

Contact Information

Texas Association of Black Personnel in Higher Education (TABPHE) 

7600 Chevy Chase Drive • Bldg. 2, Suite 300• Austin, TX 78752 • 512-975-2376 

www.tabphe.org 

Committee Projects

"Legislative Issues Impacting Higher Education: Regarding Equity, Access & Affordable Education"

TABPHE Legislative Committee meets with members of our Texas legislature.

Click here to download the 2023 TABPHE Legislative One Pager.

Click here to view the 2021 THECB Legislative Update. 

Click here to view the TABPHE White Paper 2021.

Click here to view the TABPHE White Paper 2019.

TABPHE Town Hall

TABPHE Chapters across Texas will host Town Hall meetings in their communities to discuss the topic with community members, higher education institution personnel and civic leaders. Please contact a chapter president to see how you can become involved.