Dallas Independent School District (DISD) trustees are set to discuss significant policy modifications in light of Senate Bill 12, which targets Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives in Texas public K-12 schools.
With SB12 currently awaiting approval from Governor Greg Abbott, the bill mandates the elimination of DEI policies and programs across various areas, including hiring and staff training. If signed into law, the changes will take effect on September 1.
In anticipation of these legal requirements, Dallas ISD administrators are presenting proposed alterations to the district’s educational equity policy during the upcoming trustee meeting.
One of the notable changes includes the removal of the phrase: ‘The District shall systematically and systemically change its practices to achieve and maintain racial equity in education.’ This will be replaced with language stating, ‘The District shall systematically and systemically improve its practices to achieve and maintain accountability in education.’
Moreover, the policy will also eliminate an ‘Acknowledgement of Racial Inequities.’ Additionally, the district’s Racial Equity Office will be renamed to the Office of School Improvement.
Trustee Byron Sanders emphasized the board’s commitment to ensuring equitable treatment for all students, families, and contractors, despite the implications of SB12.
He mentioned the importance of these principles within the district’s overall strategy, stating, ‘I know it’s very important to all of the board of trustees given how much it’s been fairly central to the district strategy.’
Dallas ISD, which serves nearly 140,000 students, reports that approximately 90% of its student body is considered low-income. A substantial number of students—over 70%—identify as Hispanic, while about 19% are Black.
Trustee Ben Mackey remarked on the necessity of recognizing the varying needs of students as part of the district’s educational work. He expressed his intent to carefully assess the proposed changes, reinforcing the goal of adhering to the law while striving to meet students’ needs.
Earlier in the year, the district removed sections related to DEI from its employment practices and altered the title of a key administrative position from deputy superintendent of staff and racial equity to deputy superintendent of staff and accountability.
While DEI programs aim to combat historical discrimination and address inequities, conservative lawmakers argue that such programs can be discriminatory in themselves. SB12 mirrors a similar law signed in 2023 that prohibited DEI efforts in Texas colleges and universities.
In addition to the discussion on educational policies, trustees will also review a proposed change to the district’s purchasing and acquisition policy. This revision seeks to remove language reflecting the district’s commitment to minority- and women-owned business enterprises (M/WBE).
The updated policy will instead emphasize the district’s dedication to encouraging the involvement of small business enterprises (SBE) in procurement activities. A board document justifying this transition states, ‘Transitioning from an M/WBE program to a race-neutral SBE program improves flexibility in providing innovative approaches to creating economic opportunities.’
Mackey assured that he wants to maintain an open environment for minority and women-owned businesses to compete for district contracts. He noted, ‘They must feel welcome doing business with Dallas ISD, and we must do everything possible to build an environment where all vendors feel like they’ve got a great shot at being able to produce work based on the quality of the work they provide.’
Trustee Mackey also promised a comprehensive discussion of these policy changes during the board’s meeting, scheduled for June 26, when no immediate actions will be taken on the proposed modifications.
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