IDRA is studying the impact of Texas Senate Bill 17’s ban on college diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) offices and the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2023 decision to significantly limit race-conscious admissions in higher education on marginalized college-going students. Launched in May 2024, the study explores the impact of those changes on high school students’ access to college and opportunities for equitable admissions, financial aid, and student support at Texas higher education institutions.
IDRA is using a community-based approach that includes convening roundtables and focus groups with families, high school students and counselors, and college students, faculty, and staff in Texas. Our research will address equitable college access in a state that aims to significantly increase the number of college graduates.
The study is designed to provide key findings, community-based toolkits, educational practice strategies at the K-12 and higher education levels, and state and university policy recommendations.
Preliminary Findings – Roundtable Report
IDRA released in March 2025 a preliminary report showing that roundtable participants report a range of impacts on high school students. The primary impacts relate to how students think they belong in college given their identities, how they can build community in college, and how they can find necessary support systems.
- Students, parents and educators report that recent policy changes have negatively impacted college access for historically-marginalized students.
- Students worry about belonging in college and finding friends and community.
- Students, parents and educators are concerned about scholarship opportunities and other funding that help make college affordable.
- Students and parents worry about their physical and mental safety on college campuses.
- Students and educators report that there are fewer campus supports for them to access and succeed in college.
See the preliminary report: A Community-Based Study on the Impact of Texas’ SB 17 on Marginalized College-Going Students, by Chloe Latham Sikes, Ph.D.
How to Get Involved in the Study – We want to hear from you!
In the next phase of this study, IDRA will hold focus groups with students, parents and educators to start developing community resources and tools to navigate policy changes. Fill out interest form to learn more and sign up to participate.
To learn more about the study, contact Dr. Latham Sikes at chloe.sikes@idra.org.
This research initiative is generously funded by Greater Texas Foundation, whose vision is for all Texas students to have equal opportunity to access and succeed in postsecondary education. The opinions expressed in this report are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of Greater Texas Foundation or any director, officer, or employee thereof.
