Texas Education Code 51.3525 Compliance
Overview
As a public institution of higher education, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center must comply with all provisions set forth in the Texas Education Code. This page relates to Texas Education Code, Section 51.3525 (Relating to the Responsibility of Governing Boards Regarding Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Initiatives). The information below is intended to serve as a resource for team members in an effort to ensure appropriate guidance and full compliance with TEC 51.3525.
Guidance for Team Members
All team members are encouraged to become familiar with the provisions of TEC 51.3525, but are asked to avoid making independent legal judgments in the event of uncertainty. Team members with specific questions are encouraged to liaise with the Office of the President, Division of Institutional Excellence & Culture.
As an internal control, Texas Tech University System Regulation 07.07 establishes that any violations of TEC 51.3525 by an employee constitutes misconduct and will be subject to disciplinary/corrective action including up to termination from employment. Additionally, all team members are expected to adhere to TTUHSC Operating Policy 52.06, Standards of Conduct & Ethics Guide, to ensure good-faith efforts are made to promote ethical, honest, and lawful conduct.
Specific guidance developed in coordination with the Texas Tech University System Office of the General Counsel can be located here.
Maintaining Compliance
In an effort to maintain full compliance with provisions set forth in Section 51.3525 of the Texas Education Code moving forward, the below resources are available to team members:
Reporting Suspected Violations
Those with information on suspected non-compliance with TEC 51.3525 may submit an anonymous report to the Texas Tech University System third-party reporting contractor, EthicsPoint, at 1-866-294-9352.
Consultation Services
As new initiatives are conceptualized, team members are encouraged to work with their supervisors to ensure due diligence in compliant program development. Furthermore, the Office of the President, Division of Institutional Excellence & Culture is available to consult with team members on developing programs, trainings, and/or activities that comply with statute. This includes matters pertaining to accreditation, federal and state grants, and other activities taking place under the auspice of Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center. Should you have any questions about compliance with TEC 51.3525, please reach out to excellence@ttuhsc.edu and a team member will assist you.
Frequently Asked Questions
TEC 51.3525 lists student organization activities as exempt. Generally, TTUHSC team members serving as advisors to registered student organizations may assist them with planning programs which may involve race, color, gender identity, sexual orientation, and/or ethnicity, provided that the members or the registered student organization operate, conduct, and manage the event.
Generally, TTUHSC programming advertised as specific to a heritage month which are not required by an existing grant or other federal requirement are not permitted. Existing grants requiring such programs or activities may be subject to continual TTUHSC review.
Academic course instruction is exempt from prohibitions in TEC 51.3525. Faculty and research staff members may generally provide on-campus lectures, performances, and/or workshops which may include DEI-related content, provided such content is a bona fide component of the faculty member’s research/creative work(s). Inquiries about specific circumstances should be directed to excellence@ttuhsc.edu.