WHARTON — Wharton County Junior College was among 15 Texas community colleges found to be in compliance with Texas’ ban on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs following a recent state audit, according to a report published by The Texas Tribune.
DEI, which stands for diversity, equity and inclusion, generally refers to programs or policies intended to promote representation, equal access, and inclusion for people from different backgrounds in workplaces and educational institutions.
The audit, conducted by the Texas State Auditor’s Office and first reported by KXAN, reviewed whether public colleges and universities were complying with Senate Bill 17, a Texas law that prohibits DEI offices, mandatory DEI training, and diversity statements in hiring practices at public higher education institutions.
According to the report, auditors reviewed all 14 institutions within the University of Texas System along with 15 community colleges across the state. The review included examinations of hiring practices, employee training materials, financial records, websites, and campus programs.
The following community colleges were included in the audit:
- Alvin Community College
- Amarillo College
- Austin Community College District
- Brazosport College
- Clarendon College
- College of the Mainland
- Frank Phillips College
- Galveston College
- Houston City College
- Lee College
- Lone Star College System
- San Jacinto College District
- South Plains College
- Victoria College
- Wharton County Junior College
All of the University of Texas System’s 14 institutions and the listed 15 public community colleges passed an audit that examined their compliance with Texas’ ban on policies in higher education related to diversity, equity, and inclusion, or DEI.
Founded in 1946, Wharton County Junior College serves students across Southeast Texas with it’s main campus in Wharton and with campuses in Sugar Land, Richmond, and Bay City. The college offers academic transfer programs, workforce training, continuing education, technical certifications, and dual-credit opportunities for high school students.
WCJC serves students from Wharton County and surrounding areas and partners with local industries and school districts for workforce and career training programs.
According to The Texas Tribune report, auditors did not identify violations involving the colleges reviewed as part of the compliance audit.
Senate Bill 17 took effect in Texas in 2024 and led colleges and universities statewide to restructure programs and revise policies to comply with the law.
The audit was conducted from October 2025 to May 2026.
