SB 17 eliminated DEI offices, programs and staff at Texas public universities. SB 18 weakened tenure protections.
A People’s Hearing · Austin, Texas
Protect the
freedom to learn.
Students, educators and community members are coming together to defend diversity, educational opportunity and academic freedom in Texas higher education.
Wednesday · August 12, 2026
People’s Hearing
Threats to Diversity & Academic Freedom in Higher Education
Hearing9:00–11:45 a.m.
Press conference11:45 a.m.
LocationRobert E. Johnson
Conference Center1501 N. Congress Avenue
Austin, TX 78701
Conference Center1501 N. Congress Avenue
Austin, TX 78701
01
Why we are gathering
Education should open doors—
not close them.
The hearing will bring testimony from students, faculty, researchers, alumni and community members about policies and institutional decisions affecting diversity and academic freedom. The public record begins with the people directly affected.
The statewide pattern
Three years of escalating pressure
The coalition’s fact sheet traces state policy changes and the elimination, consolidation or curtailment of academic programs across Texas.
SB 37 expanded state oversight of curriculum, hiring and academic programs.
Universities across Texas eliminated, consolidated or curtailed Ethnic, Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies programs.
Press room
Media information & releases
Download current materials, confirm event details, or arrange interviews in English or Spanish.
Press releasePress Conference on Threats to Diversity and Academic FreedomAugust 10, 2026↗Media advisoryPeople’s Hearing on Threats to Diversity & Academic FreedomAugust 11, 2026↗Fact sheetStatewide Threats to Diversity and Academic FreedomUpdated August 2026↗
Media contactRaul “Neto” LongoriaLatino Coalition for Excellence in Higher Education
(737) 359-5087rlongoria10@gmail.comCampaign journal
Latest updates, photos & stories
Coverage begins
August 12
August 12
Coming soon
This page will carry the latest from the People’s Hearing.
Return for testimony highlights, press coverage, photographs, video and coalition updates as they become available.
Add your voice
Testimony belongs in the public record.
Written testimony may be submitted whether or not you attend. Oral testimony at the hearing is limited to three minutes.
Submit written testimony