National Black Justice Coalition Denounces Texas Senate Bill 17 as a Dire Threat to LGBTQ+ Inclusion and Mental Health at Universities
CONTACT: Jordan Wilhelmi | jordan@unbendablemedia.com
TEXAS –Following news about the compliance measures of the recently passed Texas Senate Bill 17, a regressive piece of legislation that imperils the diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives at public universities, particularly targeting university-run LGBTQ+ centers, Dr. David J. Johns, executive director of the National Black Justice Coalition (NBJC), a leading Black LGBTQ+/SGL (same gender loving) civil rights organization, issued the following statement:
“Texas Senate Bill 17 is another glaring example of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation sweeping across the nation. This bill, which disbands diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) offices and shuts down university-run LGBTQ+ centers and groups, is an affront to the principles of equality and inclusivity that should remain foundational to higher education institutions, prioritizing the freedom to learn over the tyranny of the minority.
“Those interested in defending democracy benefit from recognizing the interconnectedness of anti-LGBTQ+ bills and their collective impact on the well-being of marginalized communities, and our country more specifically. The erosion of inclusive spaces at universities stifles learning and development opportunities, contributes to hostile environments that erode democracy, and otherwise chips away at foundational strengths that emerge from the diversity of our country.
“Of grave concern is the detrimental effect this bill will have on the mental health of minoritized students, faculty, and staff. According to a 2023 Trevor Project survey, nearly 1 in 3 LGBTQ+ young people reported that their mental health was poor most of the time or always due to anti-LGBTQ+ policies and legislation. And nearly 2 in 3 young people said that hearing about potential state or local laws banning people from discussing LGBTQ+ topics at school made their mental health a lot worse.
“We call on the Texas legislature to reconsider the far-reaching consequences of this bill and to prioritize the well-being and inclusivity of all students. The dismantling of DEI offices and LGBTQ+ centers negatively impacts the academic and social development of students and sends a harmful message that the identities and histories of minoritized people are not valued, which our country has repeatedly demonstrated to be untrue.
“We also urge Texas students, alumni, and donors at these public universities to stand with the LGBTQ+ members of their student body by vehemently calling out any adherence by their administrations to this discriminatory legislation that undermines the rights and well-being of their LGBTQ+/ same-gender loving brothers and sisters. Texas Senate Bill 17 and any other antiquated measures like it that seek to erase LGBTQ+ voices and histories from educational spaces are grossly antithetical to the diverse thought and acceptance universities should be cultivating.”