The University of Texas System and 15 community colleges have been found in compliance with Texas’ ban on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, according to a recent audit by the State Auditor’s Office. This comes amid continued scrutiny from conservative activists who claim some institutions may be circumventing the law.

Audit Findings

The audit, which examined whether state funds were used in violation of Senate Bill 17, found no breaches at the UT System schools and the community colleges. Senate Bill 17, enacted in 2023, mandates the closure of DEI offices, cessation of mandatory DEI training, and the removal of diversity statements in hiring processes.

Randa Safady, vice chancellor for external relations at the UT System, clarified that communications mentioned in the audit report often pertain to procedural inquiries rather than substantive issues. She emphasized that UT institutions have adjusted staffing, programs, training, and spending to align with the new law.

Community College Compliance

The audit covered all 14 UT System institutions and 15 community colleges, including Austin Community College District, which serves nearly 44,000 students. Sydney Pruitt, senior media relations coordinator for ACC, affirmed the college’s commitment to following the law while continuing to support student success.

Auditors reviewed a range of documents, including hiring records and training programs, from September 2024 to August 2025. The report notes that the audit’s findings should not be generalized to all records at each institution.

Ongoing Scrutiny

Despite the audit’s findings, conservative groups like Accuracy in Media continue to pressure institutions, releasing undercover videos suggesting ongoing DEI activities. In response, UT-Arlington terminated an employee whose comments in a video contradicted university policy.

Republican leaders have previously threatened budget cuts and created an ombudsman office to expedite investigations into alleged DEI violations. As of March, no formal complaints have been recorded by Texas’ public university systems.

While academic instruction and research remain exempt from the DEI ban, institutions are under watch to ensure full compliance with state law.

Original reporting: Texas Tribune (HLL/CB) — read the source article.