Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick Statement on the Passage of Senate Bill 37 – Reforming Faculty Senates

AUSTIN - Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick issued this statement today following the passage of Senate Bill 37, Reforming Faculty Senates, by Sen. Brandon Creighton, R-Conroe, on second reading (final passage on third reading tomorrow):

"Texas is blessed with excellent universities to educate our students and prepare them for successful careers. Last session, in the largest pushback against wokeness in higher education in U.S. history, the Senate and I eliminated taxpayer-funded discriminatory DEI offices at Texas universities, banned boys from playing girls' college sports, and significantly weakened tenure.

"However, there is more work to do, which is why I prioritized SB 37. Faculty senates must have a clearly defined role at our universities. While the rogue faculty senate at the University of Texas foolishly questioned the Texas Legislature's authority over higher education, faculty senates generally serve a purpose and help Boards of Regents make critical decisions impacting university students in Texas.

"Higher education should be about teaching students how to think, not what to think. I thank Sen. Creighton for his commitment to ensuring our students are workforce ready and are prepared for a brighter future and fulfilling careers."

Senate Bill 37, by Sen. Brandon Creighton, reforms faculty senates at Texas public institutions of higher learning by defining their role as advisory only, defining maximum membership size, and improving transparency.

Senate Bill 37 bolsters the authority of Boards of Regents and defines their obligations on matters such as hiring, academic policies, and curriculum.