Paxton issues legal opinion to declare DEI 'frameworks' in Texas unconstitutional

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton issued a sweeping legal opinion on Monday declaring diversity, equity, and inclusion programs and their supporting legal frameworks unconstitutional in the public and private sectors across the Lone Star State.

The 74-page legal opinion essentially prohibits schools and state governments from engaging in DEI practices. It also warns that private companies could face liability under federal and state law if Texas finds they kept their DEI programs or policies in place.

Paxton's office said Texas now deems over 100 state laws, part of "decades' worth of DEI frameworks," in violation of the U.S. Constitution and Texas Constitution.