In a state where Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives face increasing scrutiny, one corner of Texas higher education remains a bastion of these principles: accredited social work programs. As political pressures reshape academic landscapes, these programs continue to prioritize cultural competency, ensuring future social workers are equipped to serve diverse populations effectively.
The journey began in earnest on January 1, 2026 when Senate Bill 17 took effect, dismantling DEI offices across Texas’s public universities. This legislative action was followed by Senate Bill 37 in May 2026 which granted university regents sweeping powers to review and reject academic curricula, fundamentally altering the dynamics of higher education in the state.
The Mock Funeral and Student Protests
On May 20 students from the University of Texas at Austin staged a poignant protest outside the Governor’s Mansion and the Texas Capitol. Dressed in black, they marched behind a black hearse drawn by dark horses, carrying signs that read “Academic Freedom,” “Censored University,” and “UT Is Dead.” The mock funeral symbolized the students’ grief over the dissolution of four humanities departments, which were consolidated into the Department of Social and Cultural Analysis.
Cameron J. Samuels an organizer of Students Engaged in Advancing Texas (SEAT) testified at the UT Regent’s Meeting declaring, “The University of Texas is dead. Serving at the pleasure of our Governor, you have failed to fulfill your mission, and students mourn what once was.” This protest highlighted the deep-seated concerns about academic freedom and the direction of higher education in Texas.
The Unique Position of Social Work Programs
While many academic programs face scrutiny and potential dissolution, social work programs remain a safe haven for DEI principles. The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) the accrediting body for these programs, mandates that students be culturally competent. This requirement ensures that future social workers are trained to work effectively with people of all races, classes, and creeds.
There are 26 Texas public universities with accredited social work programs, offering more than 45 degree programs at both the bachelor’s and master’s levels. In 2026 over 4,000 students were enrolled in these programs, highlighting their significance and reach.
The “Anti-Racism, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion” competency standard emphasizes the importance of empirical, research-based expertise in environmental and social factors affecting various populations, including LGBTQ+ individuals and people of color. This training is crucial because everyone deserves competent care. Social workers must be familiar with the research and empirical information relevant to their clients, whether they are foster youth, trans individuals, or other marginalized groups.
Navigating Legal and Political Challenges
Will Francis executive director for the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Texas and Louisiana chapters, has observed the evolving landscape of DEI in social work. He noted that while DEI concepts are allowed to meet accreditation standards, the requirement to post syllabi online creates a conundrum. This transparency can expose professors to attacks for introducing DEI concepts, even if they are essential for accreditation.
These concerns are not hypothetical. In AprilAttorney General Ken Paxton launched an investigation into the University of North Texas (UNT) after a conservative group released a hidden-camera video of Paige Falco the field coordinator for UNT’s social work department. Falco acknowledged that DEI is “definitely still a focus” in coursework, leading to her eventual termination. Similar incidents at the University of Texas at Arlington underscore the precarious position of DEI in higher education.
The CSWE acknowledged the challenges posed by state legislation in a statement, advising universities to consult their legal counsel to navigate the complexities of maintaining accreditation while adhering to state laws. This uncertainty has led to careful reviews of course content and compliance with state restrictions, ensuring that social work programs continue to provide essential training without running afoul of the law.
Despite these challenges, diversity remains a critical subject in social work education. Courses like “Diverse Populations” at Texas A&M University–Central Texas teach students how to provide competent care to clients from various backgrounds. This training is not ideological but clinical, focusing on understanding and adapting to the unique needs of different cultures and communities.
As Texas continues to grapple with the implications of its higher education reforms, social work programs stand as a testament to the enduring importance of DEI principles. They ensure that future professionals are equipped to provide competent, culturally sensitive care, regardless of the political climate.