Ken Paxton, attorney general of Texas, declared more than 100 diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies and programs unconstitutional. The Republican official issued a major legal opinion in which he sharply criticized affirmative action. As explained by the Texas attorney general, these policies consider race and sex as explicit factors in employment, hiring, or resource allocation decisions, violating both the Equal Protection Clause of the National Constitution and the Equal Rights Amendment of the Texas Constitution. In addition, Paxton remarked on the symbolism of announcing the measure on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, which celebrates the life, legacy of the historic civil rights activist.