Guidance Related to Senate Bill 17

Note: The following is general guidance from the Texas Tech University System intended to apply broadly across academic and other units. Specific questions not addressed by the guidance below and questions resulting from the guidance below should be directed to MSU's Chief of Staff Debbie Barrow at deborah.barrow@msutexas.edu

With the stipulation that in no event shall state-appropriated funds be used to fund such programs, events, or initiatives, please see the following general guidance.

Use of institutional funds

  1. Generally, units may use institutional funds to support the following:

    1. Registered student organizations and their related activities to include events that are related to race, color, ethnicity, gender identity, and/or sexual orientation, provided that:
      1. There are published procedures for applying for funds;
      2. There are published procedures for reviewing applications;
      3. All recognized student organizations are eligible to apply for funds; and
      4. The funded organization does not have exclusive membership policies.
      5. At Midwestern State University, procedures are in place for student organizations to apply for such funds through the Student Government Association. 

    2. Outside employee memberships in professional organizations whose activities may include trainings and programs that are related to race, color, ethnicity, gender identity, and/or sexual orientation, provided that:
      1. There are published procedures for applying for funds;
      2. There are published procedures for reviewing applications;
      3. All employees are eligible to apply for funds for similar outside membership programs;
      4. Such professional organizations are not MSU-operated organizations/programs (and such trainings/programs are not intended to be utilized as an alternative means of mandated DEI training/programming); and
      5. The funded organization does not have exclusive membership policies.
      6. At MSU, outside employee membership funds may be applied for through the appropriate supervisor.

    3. Employee and student membership and participation in external, non-MSU-sponsored conferences or other, external, non-MSU-sponsored professional development activities, which may include trainings and programs which may be related to race, color, ethnicity, gender identity, and/or sexual orientation, provided that:
      1. There are published procedures for applying for funds; and
      2. There are published procedures for reviewing applications.
      3. At MSU, employees or students interested in participating in such conferences or professional development activities may apply for funds through the appropriate supervisor or funding source.

    4. Faculty travel and associated costs related to the publication and presentation of their research and/or creative works; such travel and associated costs shall be treated and processed in accordance with standard MSU policies and procedures regarding research and creative work(s).

  1. MSU/Colleges/Units may not use institutional funds to conduct or promote activities, programs, events, or initiatives related to race, color, ethnicity, gender identity, and/or sexual orientation other than:
    1. Faculty/student/research personnel activities that are specific to scholarly research or creative work(s);
    2. Academic coursework; or
    3. Activities that are part of an already-existing grant that mandates such activities, provided such grant(s), including any renewals, may be subject to continual review by MSU.

Guidance on accreditation of external funding

  1. Regarding disciplinary accreditation requirements, it is recommended that units review their applicable accreditation standards to determine whether any requirements of accreditation conflict with prohibitions articulated in SB 17. If potential conflicts exist, units should promptly contact the Office of the Provost. The Provost will consult with the Office of General Counsel concerning recommendations for addressing potential conflicts.

  2. Faculty members should continue to comply with all requirements specific to existing federal grants and grants awarded prior to 12/31/23, provided such grant(s), including any renewals, may be subject to continual review by MSU. Notwithstanding the foregoing, faculty members should not continue with such requirements if such grants are funded with appropriated funds. Faculty members with questions about existing grants and possible intersections with SB 17 should contact the Office of Sponsored Programs and Research.

  3. Faculty members who have state-level grants or federal grants currently under review that require specific DEI activities or statements should consult with the Office of the Sponsored Programs and Research.

  4. Faculty members considering applying for federal grants with requirements or restrictions that are impacted by SB 17 should first consult with the Office of Sponsored Programs and Research.
Last Modified: 08/15/2024