By Gary BordersTexas Press AssociationAfter the Texas Legislature spent much of 2023 in session, a bevy of new laws go into effect on New Year’s Day, though some have been delayed by lawsuits challenging their constitutionality.The Austin American-Statesman reported on SB 17, a new law that institutes a ban on programs and policies “designed or implemented in reference to race, color, or ethnicity” at Texas public universities or colleges — commonly known as diversity, equity and inclusion, or DEI.GOP lawmakers who pushed the ban through argued that DEI programs are divisive. Those opposing the ban said it would eliminate initiatives ...