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The Texas Tribune
The Texas Tribune
National
By Alejandra Martinez

Texas leaders defend Black official after lawmaker’s public interrogation of DEI policies left her in tears

Then-Texas Water Development Board member L’Oreal Stepney listens to comments during a board meeting Tuesday, July 23, 2024, in Austin. Stepney was named chair of the Board by Gov. Greg Abbott on January 8, 2025.
Then-Texas Water Development Board member L’Oreal Stepney listens to comments during a board meeting Tuesday, July 23, 2024, in Austin. Stepney was named chair of the Board by Gov. Greg Abbott on January 8, 2025. (Credit: Eli Hartman/The Texas Tribune)

Texas Water Development Board Chair L’Oreal Stepney wiped tears from her eyes Thursday as a House hearing turned into a tense line of questioning over race and the future of state hiring practices.

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