State watchdog investigating DEI complaint at SFA

NACOGDOCHES, Texas (KTRE) - SFA is the site of the first DEI complaint being investigated by a newly created state watchdog office. [KLTV Channel 7 News]

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Stephen F. Austin State University faces the first formal investigation into diversity, equity and inclusion practices under a newly established state oversight mechanism. The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board's Office of the Ombudsman initiated the review after receiving a complaint alleging that a campus department maintained an unofficial DEI program despite legislative prohibitions on such initiatives.

The ombudsman office, created last year by the Texas Legislature, has fielded 69 complaints statewide regarding diversity and inclusion matters at public universities. Of those complaints, 68 have been closed without formal investigation, making the SFA case the sole matter currently under active review. The Legislature enacted a ban on DEI offices and programs at public colleges in 2023.

According to a heavily redacted document obtained by local media, the complaint stems from a student who alleged one university department restricted their speech expressing support for conservative commentator Charlie Kirk while simultaneously permitting and actively promoting what the student characterized as liberal political expression and anti-Israel messaging. The student reported meeting with SFA officials to discuss these concerns but received no explanation about any corrective measures the institution might have taken.

The complainant is represented by attorney Briscoe Cain, who serves as a state representative. In a statement, the legal team commended the ombudsman's office for taking the matter seriously while framing the complaint as essential to accountability. "We must ensure that the free speech rights of Texas students are protected and that any restrictions on speech are applied in a viewpoint-neutral manner," the attorneys said, adding that state leadership has expressed concern about conservative student voices being suppressed at taxpayer-funded institutions.

SFA responded to the investigation with a brief statement affirming its compliance with applicable law. "Stephen F. Austin State University complies with all state and federal laws. If there is a governmental investigation, the university will fully cooperate," the institution said.