By: Hughes S.B. No. 16
 
 
 
   
 
 
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 
AN ACT
  relating to the purpose of public institutions of higher education
  and a prohibition on compelling students enrolled at those
  institutions to adopt certain beliefs.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  Subtitle A, Title 3, Education Code, is amended
  by adding Chapter 50 to read as follows:
  CHAPTER 50. HIGHER EDUCATION PURPOSE
         Sec. 50.001.  HIGHER EDUCATION PURPOSE. A public
  institution of higher education must be committed to creating an
  environment of:
               (1)  intellectual inquiry and academic freedom so that
  all students are equipped for participation in the workforce and
  the betterment of society; and
               (2)  intellectual diversity so that all students are
  respected and educated regardless of race, sex, or ethnicity or
  social, political, or religious background or belief.
         SECTION 2.  Subchapter Z, Chapter 51, Education Code, is
  amended by adding Section 51.982 to read as follows:
         Sec. 51.982.  PROHIBITION ON COMPELLING CERTAIN
  BELIEFS.  (a)  In this section, "institution of higher education"
  has the meaning assigned by Section 61.003.
         (b)  A faculty member of an institution of higher education
  may not compel or attempt to compel a student enrolled at the
  institution to adopt a belief that any race, sex, or ethnicity or
  social, political, or religious belief is inherently superior to
  any other race, sex, ethnicity, or belief.
         SECTION 3.  This Act takes effect immediately if it receives
  a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as
  provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution.  If this
  Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this
  Act takes effect September 1, 2023.