TX SB2946

Prohibits Texas public institutions of higher education from offering any certificate, degree program, major, minor, or course in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), including content promoting differential treatment based on race, color, or ethnicity

Requires the state auditor to conduct annual compliance audits of each institution to determine whether state money was spent in violation of the prohibition

Institutions found in violation lose state funding until they achieve compliance; students required to participate in prohibited programs may sue for injunctive or declaratory relief

Employees who violate the prohibition face unpaid leave for one academic year for a first offense and termination for a second or subsequent offense; violations must be reported to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board

The Coordinating Board must maintain and distribute a list of disciplined employees; institutions cannot hire listed individuals until the unpaid leave period ends or 5 years after termination; applies beginning with the 2026-2027 academic year