As reported by America First Legal (here), Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s office recently issued a memo reminding state agencies and universities that “federal and state law forbid discrimination against a current or prospective employee because of that person’s race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or military service.” As stated in the letter (here): “Rebranding this employment discrimination as ‘DEI’ doesn’t make the practice any less illegal.” Of course, the extent to which diversity may be deemed a compelling interest justifying at least some forms of racial discrimination is an issue currently before the Supreme Court (see here).

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Photo of Benjamin P. Edwards Benjamin P. Edwards

Benjamin Edwards joined the faculty of the William S. Boyd School of Law in 2017. He researches and writes about business and securities law, corporate governance, arbitration, and consumer protection.

Prior to teaching, Professor Edwards practiced as a securities litigator in the New…

Benjamin Edwards joined the faculty of the William S. Boyd School of Law in 2017. He researches and writes about business and securities law, corporate governance, arbitration, and consumer protection.

Prior to teaching, Professor Edwards practiced as a securities litigator in the New York office of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP. At Skadden, he represented clients in complex civil litigation, including securities class actions arising out of the Madoff Ponzi scheme and litigation arising out of the 2008 financial crisis. Read More