The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board launched a website for public complaints about state higher education institutions on Jan. 9.
The website is overseen by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board Office of the Ombudsman, a new position established under Senate Bill 37, a bill that increased the power of the Board of Regents, which oversees universities. The website’s complaint forms are specifically designed to be used for alleged violations of SB 37 and Senate Bill 17, which banned DEI programs in Texas public higher education.
“Through a user-friendly website and engagement on campuses across Texas, I look forward to a collaborative, productive partnership with our institutional leaders and students,” Director of Institutional Policy and Oversight and leader of the Higher Ed Ombudsman’s office, Brandon L. Simmons, said in a statement. “Texas leads the nation with top-ranked, rapidly ascending universities, and our office is here to support these great institutions in serving the next generation of Texas students.”
When filing a complaint, users must select whether they are a student, member of faculty, employee or “other.” Reports may not be filed anonymously. Under SB 37, institutions have 175 days after a complaint to respond unless granted an extension for “good cause.”
If an institution fails to resolve a complaint, the ombudsman can recommend that the state legislature not let the institution spend its legally appropriated funds from the state. Approximately 32.6% of Texas State’s budget comes from state appropriations.
The website’s launch comes amid crackdowns on curriculum across all public university systems in Texas. The announcement provided no guidance or comment on ongoing course audits.
