Professors and students gather around to discuss new ways to work with the recent legislation, Sep. 12. (Stephanie Garcia)

The Texas Senate signed Senate Bill 17 (SB-17) into law in June 2023, banning state-funded diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs. SB-17 means that cross-cultural and pride organizations, as well as safe places for those who participate in these organizations, are now forbidden. SB-17 also bans consideration of race, sex, ethnicity and national origin in hiring practices and training for faculty. 

The legislation allows student-run DEI organizations to persist on campus, but these groups must survive without state funding, relying on grants and donations. Individual professors, majors and colleges within MSU can include DEI in academics, such as having a guest speaker lecture about cross-cultural communication. 

Senate Bill 17 comes after concerns about violations of free speech, according to State Sen. Brandon Creighton (R-Texas), and “reverse discrimination,” according to State Rep. Carl Tepper (R-Texas).

MSU students gather around for the final MOSAIC town hall meeting, Sep. 12. Cammie Dean presented on how recent legislation has affected MOSAIC and the community. (Samantha Difiore)

Before Gov. Abbot signed SB-17 into law, MOSAIC was MSU’s Cross-Cultural center. Founded in 2015, MOSAIC is a cornerstone in MSU’s campus culture, known for celebrating the campus’s diverse cultures and holding events such as Hispanic Heritage Month and Black History Month. MOSAIC also notably hosted parties and celebrations like cultural graduations.

Over the past three years, MOSAIC has been picking up momentum, planning more events and getting an office in the Clark Student Center. SB-17 has forced MOSAIC to cancel over 40 events that would have taken place over the 2023-2024 school year. MOSAIC will be able to rework some events to comply with the law because it is not classified as an anti-racist group. MOSAIC can also discuss “underserved” populations; however, the law does not define that term.

MOSAIC could previously act as a mediator in the case of possible bias but will now have to redirect students towards those newly chosen to help with these issues. 

MOSAIC would have disbursed scholarships using state funding; however, due to SB-17, it was required to rescind offers. Freshman Mary Lou Rodriguez is one of the scholarship recipients who had their offer taken away. 

Cammie Dean explains how any events promoting diversity need to have a new location because MOSAIC can no longer be their new home, Sep. 12. (Samantha Difiore)

Rodriguez said she was upset about the situation.

“I will still continue at MSU, but honestly, getting that scholarship really pulled me towards MSU,” Rodriguez said, later adding, “I felt sad. Maybe angry at other people because, honestly, being a minority and other people trying to say you’re not, it made me mad, honestly.” 

After hours, concerned professors and students attended an AIDE meeting in the Legacy MPR. Participants discussed what SB-17 forbade, how to interpret the law and what can be done going forward. The law does not prohibit continuing DEI education within academic settings, so there were some ideas for creating classes surrounding subjects like intercultural communication. The faculty agreed that another way to move past SB-17 is to serve as advisors to student-led groups and seek support from local businesses and organizations. 

Freshman Nia Shanks said SB-17 affects how students feel they fit in at MSU

“I definitely feel like I belong here, but it’s going to be harder for less represented groups to feel welcome when they’re basically told that they’re wrong just for existing, you know? That you’re doing something wrong by celebrating your culture,” Shanks said. 

Students who wish to remain active in DEI initiatives can still start or involve themselves in student-led organizations. Interested students can find several organizations to join under the Student Involvement section of the MSU website. AIDE meetings moving forward will be open to the campus community, and students interested in preserving DEI groups and ideals can attend and work with faculty. 

Cammie Dean explains how any events promoting diversity need to have a new location because MOSAIC can no longer be their new home, Sep. 12. (Samantha Difiore)

Cammie Dean encourages students to make a change so that MOSAIC can continue to welcome a wide variety of students, Sep. 12. (Samantha Difiore)