Ken Paxton attacks John Cornyn in MLK Day diversity opinion
The Texas Tribune • • nation
Key Points:
- Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton released a legal opinion on Martin Luther King Jr. Day criticizing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives and declaring many Texas programs aimed at addressing historical discrimination unconstitutional, directly challenging guidance issued decades ago by his Republican primary opponent, Senator John Cornyn.
- Cornyn and legal experts quickly disputed Paxton’s claims, arguing the attorney general cannot unilaterally overturn state laws by declaring them unconstitutional, and accused Paxton of using the opinion as a political weapon ahead of their March 3 GOP primary contest.
- Paxton’s opinion targets race- and sex-based hiring practices, scholarship programs, and historically underutilized business programs, labeling them discriminatory and exposing private companies and state agencies to legal liability if
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