Abbott's comments came after A&M invited staffers and students to attend a conference that a conservative activist said broke the state’s ban on diversity, equity and inclusion programs.

A day before the new legislative session began, Gov. Abbott weighed in on the state’s ban on DEI, alleging that Texas A&M University is breaking the law.

Gov. Greg Abbott is threatening to force out Texas A&M University President Mark Welsh III over the university's apparent attempt to send students to a conference the governor said flouted the state's new diversity, equity and inclusion ban.

Since cattle imports were cut off in November, Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller and some ranchers worry about the ban’s economic impact on beef producers and consumers.

Abbott's comments came after A&M invited staffers and students to attend a conference that a conservative activist said broke the state’s ban on DEI programs.