The University of Texas at Austin has laid off employees who worked in the school’s diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs.
UT Austin’s President Jay Hartzell announced Tuesday that some staff members’ positions were eliminated following an evaluation of the university’s programs affected by Senate Bill 17, which bans DEI offices, policies, programs, and activities at state-funded institutions of higher learning.
“The positions that provided support for those associate and assistant deans and a small number of staff roles across campus that were formerly focused on DEI will no longer be funded,” wrote Mr. Hartzell in a campus-wide message to students and staff.
According to the letter, the university had been focused on ensuring it was compliant with the new state law, which took effect on Jan. 1.
“Since that date, we have been evaluating our post-SB 17 portfolio of divisions, programs, and positions,” Mr. Hartzell said. “The new law has changed the scope of some programs on campus, making them broader and creating duplication with long-standing existing programs supporting students, faculty, and staff.”
Public colleges and universities must follow state and federal anti-discrimination laws.
The school determined it would be necessary to close the Division of Campus and Community Engagement (DCCE) office and end its programs and activities associated with DEI.
“This means we will continue to operate many programs with rich histories spanning decades, such as disability services, University Interscholastic League, the UT charter schools, and volunteer and community programs,” he continued.
Some of the DEI staff members returned to their previous faculty positions, and those who lost their jobs are eligible to apply for other positions.
Letter Warns Institutions to Comply
The layoffs come a week after state Sen. Brandon Creighton, who authored SB 17, sent a letter to university system chancellors and regents at universities across the state, including UT Austin, calling on them to prove they are in compliance.Mr. Creighton, chair of the state Senate Committee on Education, warned the universities that their funding could be blocked and they could face legal action if they fail to comply.
“While I am encouraged with the progress I have seen from many institutions of higher education in implementing SB 17, I am deeply concerned with the possibility that many institutions may choose to merely rename their offices or employee titles,” Mr. Creighton wrote in his letter, dated March 26. “This letter should serve as notice that this practice is unacceptable—and also a reminder that SB 17 encompasses stringent enforcement provisions, including the potential freezing of university funding and legal ramifications for non-compliance.”
The Senate Education Committee will hold an oversight hearing in May to ensure the schools have taken the necessary steps to stop all DEI programs, activities, training, and hiring practices.
He asked the universities to have a representative available to testify at the hearing and to submit in writing answers to five questions regarding their university system’s compliance no later than May 3.
- How has your institution ensured there are no DEI offices or officers on campus, or no individual or organizations performing the duties of a DEI office or officer?
- How has your institution worked to ensure that DEI training is not required for students, staff, and faculty?
- How has your institution acted to comply with the provision which prohibits providing preference on the basis of race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin to an applicant for employment?
- How has your institution worked to ensure diversity statements cannot be considered for hiring or promotion?
- SB 17 requires regular audits by the State Auditor’s Office. How has your institution been preparing for this oversight action?
A banner at the top of UT Austin’s DCCE webpage notifies visitors that the office is closing.
In March, Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey signed legislation banning state agencies, local education boards, and public institutions of higher learning from operating DEI programs or offices. The law goes into effect on Oct. 1.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis enacted a similar law last year.
