At a public event last week, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick said higher ed would get less funding if they don’t “kick DEI out of their schools,” a few weeks after lawmakers proposed a massive cut to public universities.

The Legislature and lieutenant governor threaten to cut $400 million if colleges and universities do not end diversity initiatives.

Texas Republicans aim to remove diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives in all areas of public education from kindergarten all through high school after already removing it from public colleges and universities in the state.