Governor Greg Abbott of Texas is on a crusade against Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policies, rallying alongside his Republican colleagues to dismantle the very system that, in many ways, helped him rise to power. The irony? Abbott, a wheelchair user, has directly benefited from accessibility measures—one of the key pillars of DEI initiatives. It’s like climbing a ladder to the top of a building, only to kick it down and tell others to find another way up.
How did Abbott, a man whose disability could have been a barrier in a less accommodating society, come to view DEI as a threat rather than an asset? And why is he so determined to erase policies that promote inclusivity, even when they benefit people with disabilities? Let’s break it down.
Greg Abbott’s Career: A DEI Success Story He’d Rather Ignore
Greg Abbott’s journey to power is nothing short of remarkable. After an oak tree paralyzed him in 1984, he didn’t let his disability stop him. He became Texas Attorney General, then governor, proving that physical limitations don’t define capability. But here’s the kicker: his success was made possible, at least in part, by accessibility laws and workplace accommodations—cornerstones of DEI.
Imagine a world where Texas courthouses, government offices, and campaign trails weren’t wheelchair-accessible. Where would Abbott be? Stuck outside, fighting for a ramp instead of signing executive orders. But rather than acknowledging how these policies shaped his path, he’s now leading the charge to gut DEI efforts, as if they were some radical experiment rather than a framework for fairness.
Texas vs. DEI: The War on Inclusion
Governor who vastly benefited from DEI provision, Greg Abbott and his Republican allies have made no secret of their disdain for DEI. They argue that these policies prioritize diversity over merit and create unnecessary divisions. Their response? Legislative bulldozing.
Senate Bill 17 (2023): This law bans DEI offices in Texas public universities, effectively silencing initiatives that promote representation and inclusion.
Executive Order (2025): Abbott directed state agencies to eliminate DEI practices, framing them as divisive rather than unifying.
The Broader Crackdown: Republican-led states nationwide are rolling back DEI efforts, claiming to champion a so-called “color-blind” society while ignoring systemic barriers that still exist.
Abbott’s argument boils down to this: DEI is unnecessary because Texas should be a meritocracy. But that’s like saying ramps and elevators aren’t needed because people should just “figure it out.”
When DEI Works… But Only for Some
The biggest irony in Greg Abbott’s crusade is that DEI isn’t just about race or gender—it includes disability rights. Accessibility measures in workplaces, schools, and public spaces are often born from DEI initiatives. Without them, many talented individuals—disabled or otherwise—would be locked out of opportunities.
Abbott insists that disability accommodations are covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), so DEI isn’t needed. But the reality is that DEI extends beyond mere compliance. It fosters a culture of inclusion, ensuring that workplaces aren’t just technically accessible but also welcoming. Without DEI, the message shifts from “we want you here” to “we’re legally required to tolerate you.”
Greg Abbott’s Justification: A Convenient Distinction
Abbott and his allies draw a firm line between disability accommodations and broader DEI efforts. They argue that while physical accessibility is a legal necessity, racial and gender-based DEI initiatives are overreach. In other words: “We’ll keep the parts of DEI that helped me, but the rest? Unnecessary.”
This selective approach exposes the fundamental flaw in Abbott’s logic. DEI isn’t about special treatment—it’s about leveling the playing field. Just as wheelchair ramps ensure equal access to buildings, DEI policies ensure equal access to opportunities. Abbott may not like it, but his own story proves that inclusivity works.
Public Backlash: Hypocrisy or Political Calculus?
Abbott’s anti-DEI stance has sparked widespread criticism, with many questioning how someone who has directly benefited from accessibility measures can justify dismantling similar initiatives for others. His supporters argue that he’s simply protecting meritocracy, but critics see a blatant contradiction.
The real question: is this genuine ideology, or is Abbott simply playing politics? As Republican leaders double down on anti-DEI rhetoric to appeal to their base, Abbott’s crusade might be less about principle and more about political survival. After all, railing against DEI makes for great conservative soundbites, even if it means denying the very systems that helped him succeed.
The Verdict: Abbott’s DEI Dilemma
Greg Abbott’s war on DEI is a case study in political irony. He built a career in a system that accommodated his disability, yet now works tirelessly to dismantle initiatives that provide similar support to others. It’s a classic case of “I got mine, now you figure it out.”
But here’s the truth: DEI isn’t about lowering standards or creating unfair advantages. It’s about recognizing that not everyone starts from the same place. Abbott may believe Texas doesn’t need DEI, but without it, many will find themselves stuck—facing barriers they can’t overcome alone.
And when that happens, who will fight for them? Certainly not the man who climbed the ladder, only to pull it up behind him.
