Redistricting in Texas:
A Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Imperative and a Call to Action for League Members
By Denita Jones, DEI Director, League of Women Voters Dallas
In Texas, redistricting continues to be a powerful and often contentious political process—one that impacts every level of representation from local school boards to congressional seats. With another special legislative session underway, redistricting remains on the table, even as legal challenges to prior maps work their way through the courts. This moment is not just about lines on a map—it’s about the values that guide our democracy, especially those of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).
The League of Women Voters of Texas and local chapters like LWV Dallas have long advocated for fair maps and transparent processes. But we must also be clear that fair maps are a DEI issue. When maps are drawn to dilute the voting power of communities of color or to fracture communities with shared interests, it undermines representation, accountability, and equity. These outcomes don’t just weaken democracy—they harm the very communities we claim to uplift and include.
The Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Impact of Redistricting
Redistricting has a direct impact on marginalized communities—especially Black, Latino, Indigenous, Asian American, and immigrant communities—by either ensuring their voices are heard or silencing them through gerrymandering. In a state as diverse as Texas, equitable representation should reflect our demographics, not ignore or suppress them.
The current special session is a reminder that redistricting is not a one-time event, but an ongoing process influenced by power, litigation, and civic engagement. It is imperative that our League members understand how DEI and redistricting are inextricably linked. Fighting for inclusive representation means advocating for the integrity of the redistricting process—because DEI doesn't stop at our internal practices; it must extend to the policies we champion.
Our Role as League Members
This is where the League—and each of us—has a pivotal role. We must remain vocal, visible, and vigilant. That means:
- Educating our communities on how redistricting affects representation.
- Holding lawmakers accountable during special sessions by monitoring legislation and demanding transparency.
- Empowering voters in communities most affected by unfair maps through targeted outreach and civic education.
- Advocating for an independent redistricting commission to eliminate partisan manipulation.
Most importantly, we must center our DEI commitments not only in our programming but in our legislative priorities. It is not enough to say we believe in inclusion—we must live it in how we engage the public, uplift marginalized voices, and fight for systems that reflect Texas' full diversity.
What You Can Do Now
- Stay informed about ongoing special session developments at capitol.texas.gov.
- Join the DEI Committee or volunteer for our voter education and redistricting outreach teams.
- Share our resources and position statements with your networks to help amplify the League’s message.
- Attend or testify at redistricting-related hearings if held locally.
We are living in a defining moment in Texas politics. Let us seize it—not just to advocate for better maps, but to affirm that our fight for fair representation is rooted in our shared belief that every voice matters, and every community counts.
In League and in solidarity,
Denita Jones
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Director, League of Women Voters Dallas |