Overview
- Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton issued a 74-page opinion asserting that DEI policies in public entities and private workplaces violate the U.S. and Texas constitutions.
- The opinion urges schools, state and local agencies, and companies to abolish DEI or affirmative action programs immediately.
- Paxton’s office said more than 100 state laws are implicated and singled out HUB and DBE contracting preferences while noting a carveout for veterans who use HUB.
- The analysis relies on the Supreme Court’s 2023 affirmative action decision and applies its reasoning beyond higher education to government and business practices.
- Sen. John Cornyn challenged the move as an abuse of office, raising whether it was improperly issued without a formal request or constituted an in-kind campaign contribution.