The latest higher education news from The Texas Tribune.
A new version of Senate Bill 18 scheduled for a hearing in the House Higher Education Committee on Monday would keep faculty tenure and direct university governing boards to establish policies to grant and revoke tenure. Full Story
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A new version of Senate Bill 17 expected to be considered by the House’s Higher Education Committee on Monday would still ban DEI offices and prohibit required diversity training, but it would open the door for university boards of regents to approve such programs in certain circumstances. Full Story
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The list of potential hurdles includes property tax cuts, school choice, the power grid, the state budget, plus diversity and tenure in higher education. Full Story
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The Civitas Institute was conceived with the help of conservative donors and state lawmakers to lead research and education based on free-market principles. Full Story
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While the proposed tenure ban will likely face steep opposition in the Texas House, faculty say lawmakers’ recent attacks on higher education have raised concerns about whether Texas is the best state to build their career. Full Story
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The vote of no-confidence came over Wendler’s handling of the drag show. Faculty said he’s also exhibited poor leadership with other issues. Full Story
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A poll conducted by the Council of Principal Investigators, an elected group of faculty who help oversee research activity at the school, found respondents distrust the president’s decision making since she took the helm nearly two years ago. Full Story
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Local leaders told members of the Federal Reserve last week that families are facing financial stresses that make working hard. Educators say they need families more involved at school. Full Story
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Senate Bill 18 faces an uphill battle at the Texas House, where Speaker Dade Phelan has expressed concerns with completely eliminating the commonplace job protection. Full Story
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The legislation heads to the Texas House, where members have been more muted about the proposal to disband offices, programs and training that foster diversity. Full Story
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Demand for on-campus housing has gone up across the country as off-campus costs have skyrocketed and students seek more affordable options. Full Story
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There are $5 billion and several political wedges standing between the House and Senate plans, which now move into conference committee with less than five weeks before session ends. Full Story
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Faculty say the decision to take a vote on whether to condemn Wendler was the final straw in a host of issues with him. Full Story
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Under this new model, community colleges would receive state funds based on the number of graduates who earn certificates or degrees and the number of students who transfer to four-year universities. Full Story
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Critics say Senate Bill 16 is overly vague and will create a chilling effect that will prevent important conversations about race and gender. But Republican supporters say the legislation is necessary to protect conservative students who are self-censoring in the classroom. Full Story
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Texas lawmakers are poised to create a new multibillion-dollar endowment to boost emerging research universities in national rankings. But faculty members say banning diversity offices and tenure would stymie those efforts. Full Story
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The bill will now head to the Texas House where enough lawmakers have already expressed support to approve a similar bill. Gov. Greg Abbott has also said he supports the measure. Full Story
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The Senate Finance Committee’s proposals won’t be voted on and sent to the full chamber until April. Full Story
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The lawsuit comes after protests each day this week, calling for university president Walter Wendler to reinstate the drag show and step down. Full Story
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Texas is attempting to address the fentanyl crisis gripping schools by having staff learn how to administer lifesaving medication. Full Story
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