IDRA Study Participants Report Concerns About Support, Safety and Access Following Recent Diversity Policy Changes
A new IDRA study finds that recent federal and state restrictions affecting diversity, equity and inclusion are influencing how Texas students and families approach college. Participants reported concerns about belonging, campus support, safety and affordability while exploring higher education options.
Key Takeaways
- IDRA’s two-year study found students, families and educators report new barriers to college access following recent state and federal policy changes.
- Participants described reduced feelings of belonging while exploring colleges and greater concern about campus safety and support.
- Counselors reported greater difficulty encouraging students to pursue higher education.
- Students, educators and families expressed concern about fewer supports for first-generation college students.
- IDRA developed free bilingual college access resources and toolkits to help students transition successfully to college.
Resource from the Intercultural Development Research Association (IDRA), a nonprofit advancing education equity.
(July 9, 2026 • San Antonio) Federal and state restrictions on diversity, equity and inclusion have created new barriers to college access for students across Texas, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds. IDRA’s two-year study provides an early look at how these policies are affecting high school students’ access to and success in college.
In 2023, Texas passed Senate Bill 17, which bans diversity, equity and inclusion offices at public colleges and universities. That same year, the U.S. Supreme Court significantly limited race-conscious admissions in higher education in the Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard and UNC decision.
“All students deserve access to college and the support they need,” said lead researcher, Dr. Chloe Latham Sikes. “Participants in IDRA’s study report that recent policy changes compromised their sense of belonging in college, limited scholarship opportunities, diminished campus supports for historically marginalized students, and heightened concerns about physical and mental safety on college campuses.”
“[The impact of the policy changes] has made me more cautious… and also intentional about choosing a college that not only offers strong academics but also provides a safe and supportive environment for my daughter, especially in the absence of [diversity, equity and inclusion] programs.” – Parent
The report, Staying on Course When Schools Steer Clear: A Community-Based Study on the Impacts of Texas’ Diversity Policy Change on High School Students and Tools to Expand their College Pathways, includes perspectives from more than 90 Texans across the state, primarily high school students. Students, parents, educators and college counselors reported that recent policy changes are affecting college access in several ways, including:
- Counselors reported greater difficulty encouraging students to pursue college.
- Students and counselors reported a diminished sense of belonging when exploring college options.
- Educators and students expressed concern about reduced support for students transitioning to college, particularly first-generation students.
- Parents reported heightened concerns about students’ physical safety and mental health on campus.
One high school student said: “It has definitely changed my perspective on which colleges I’m even going to apply to, because I obviously don’t want to be on a campus that doesn’t support me.”
A parent shared that the new state law (SB 17) “has made me more cautious… and also intentional about choosing a college that not only offers strong academics but also provides a safe and supportive environment for my daughter, especially in the absence of [diversity, equity and inclusion] programs.”
“I’ve definitely just taken at least five colleges off my list just based on the DEI [response and them] not supporting students whatsoever when it comes to this.” – High school student
The report offers recommendations for supporting students academically and addressing longstanding barriers to college access and affordability.
Drawing on community input, IDRA developed a Community-based College Access Technical Assistance package that includes three toolkits and more than 15 bilingual resources to support students’ transition to college.
To learn more about the study, contact Chloe Latham Sikes, Ph.D., at chloe.sikes@idra.org.
Media contact: Thomas Marshall III, M.Ed., at thomas.marshall@idra.org.
Publications on College Access
Staying on Course When Schools Steer Clear, final report, by Chloe Latham Sikes, Ph.D., July 2026
A Community-Based Study on the Impact of Texas’ SB 17 on Marginalized College-Going Students, preliminary report, by Chloe Latham Sikes, Ph.D., March 2025
Beyond the Bans – How Legal and Policy Changes Limiting Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Practices Compromise Student Opportunity, research brief, by Chloe Latham Sikes, Ph.D., and Adiba Chowdhury, May 2026
Community-Based College Access – Online Technical Assistance Toolkit, April 2026
Report at a Glance
Report: Staying on Course When Schools Steer Clear
Subtitle: A Community-Based Study on the Impacts of Texas’ Diversity Policy Change on High School Students and Tools to Expand their College Pathways
Published by: IDRA
Release date: July 9, 2026
Participants: More than 90 Texans, primarily high school students
Additional participants: Parents, educators and college counselors
Geographic focus: Texas
Key issues examined:
- College access
- Sense of belonging
- Student supports
- Campus safety
- First-generation college students
Policies discussed:
- Texas Senate Bill 17
- Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard and Students for Fair Admissions v. UNC
Resources included:
- Community-based College Access Technical Assistance package
- Three college access toolkits
- More than 15 bilingual resources
FAQs
How are recent policy changes affecting college access in Texas?
IDRA’s study found students, families, counselors and educators reported concerns about belonging, campus support, scholarship opportunities and safety when considering colleges following recent state and federal policy changes.
What is Texas Senate Bill 17?
Texas Senate Bill 17 prohibits diversity, equity and inclusion offices at Texas public colleges and universities. It took effect in 2024 and changed how many institutions provide student support services.
Who participated in the IDRA study?
The study included more than 90 Texans, primarily high school students, along with parents, educators and college counselors from across the state.
What resources does IDRA provide?
IDRA developed a Community-based College Access Technical Assistance package with three toolkits and more than 15 bilingual resources to support students and families through the transition to college.
