‘As goes Texas, so goes the nation’—this is not just a quote, it is a reality that reflects Texas's influence in shaping the political, economic, and cultural trajectory of the United States. And in recent years, Texas has reinforced its status as a national leader in higher education reform. Throughout my time leading the Senate Committee on Higher Education, I have seen the advancement of initiatives that reshape public colleges and universities to reflect Texas values and create opportunities for future generations. With the 89th Legislative Session now underway, it’s clear that our work is far from finished. We must stay focused and address the challenges that lie ahead.
In 2023, Texas passed Senate Bill 17, the nation’s strongest ban on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policies in higher education. This law ends exclusionary practices that infiltrated our colleges and universities that cost hundreds of millions of dollars, and produced no better outcomes for minority students. Now these taxpayer funded institutions can return to the true mission of education and innovation–not indoctrination.
Even President Trump, in the first days of his new term, took decisive action to end the DEI bureaucracy within the federal government. His leadership underscores a growing national recognition that these policies undermine merit-based success while wasting resources on divisive initiatives–something Texas recognized years ago.
The legislature also enacted groundbreaking tenure reforms through Senate Bill 18, modernizing tenure at public colleges and universities. This new law promotes competition, innovation, and accountability. By prioritizing merit and adaptability over outdated structures and guaranteed lifetime employment, Texas is setting a new standard of excellence in higher education.
Some of the most impactful laws that have been passed are those that are making historic investments in workforce training. Through initiatives like the Texas Reskilling and Upskilling through Education (TRUE), Texas community colleges are developing programs that connect students to high-demand careers, offering new opportunities for unemployed Texans and boosting the state's economy.
Building on TRUE's success, we passed HB 8 in 2023, creating an outcomes-based funding model that rewards high-demand degrees and certificates while supporting low-income and non-traditional students. This program sets a national benchmark for workforce development, driving record enrollment at several colleges in its first year and securing Texas's economic future.
These reforms haven’t gone unnoticed. While the mainstream media makes absurd claims of a war on higher education, dozens of states are following Texas’s lead, adopting our policies. Top researchers are also moving to Texas, drawn by the promise of true academic freedom.
However, as Texans, we know we can’t be complacent. To remain a trailblazer in educating the next generation, lawmakers must double down on recent victories and address new challenges in the 89th Legislative Session.
First, I’m committed to building on the success of SB 17 by ensuring compliance and empowering governing boards to instill a culture of true diversity—diversity of thought, values, and ideas.
Next, we need to clearly define the framework and governance roles at Texas colleges and universities, reining in faculty senates that prioritize their own ideology and power instead of education–which results in damage to the reputation of our institutions.
Additionally, I am proposing the creation of an ‘Office of Excellence in Higher Education’ that would bring enhanced transparency between institutions, the public, and the legislature. This office would give all Texans greater confidence that taxpayer-funded institutions are being fiscally responsible and squarely focused preparing the next generation of Texas leaders.
Texas has shown what’s possible when you commit to bold reforms. By eliminating inefficiencies and focusing on academic excellence and economic strength, we can build a brighter future for our students and keep Texas at the forefront of higher education and opportunity.
Brandon Creighton represents District 4 in the Texas Senate, where he serves as Chair of the Senate Committee on Education K-16
