The University of Texas at Austin has dismissed staff working in the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) office on campus. This decision comes after a review of the university’s programs affected by Senate Bill 17, which prohibits DEI offices, policies, programs, and activities in state-funded higher education institutions.
In an announcement on Tuesday, University of Texas at Austin President Jay Hartzell stated that positions of some faculty and staff members were eliminated following the evaluation of the university’s plan under the impact of Senate Bill 17.
Hartzell wrote in a campus-wide message to students and faculty, “Some positions of associate deans, assistant deans, and a few cross-campus small staff positions will no longer be financially supported.”
The university has been committed to ensuring compliance with the new state law that came into effect on January 1. Hartzell mentioned, “We have been assessing the departments, programs, and position mix following the enactment of SB17. The new law expanded the scope of some projects on campus, broadening their scope and overlapping with existing projects that have long supported students and faculty.”
Public colleges and universities are required to adhere to state and federal anti-discrimination laws. As a result, the university deemed it necessary to close the Campus and Community Engagement Office (DCCE) and terminate DEI-related programs and activities.
“This means that we will continue to operate many projects with decades-long histories, such as disability services, university collegiate alliances, Texas Charter School at The University of Texas, as well as volunteer and community programs,” he continued.
Some DEI staff members have returned to their original faculty positions, and those who lost their jobs are eligible to apply for other positions within the university.
The university spokesperson did not provide further details on the number of affected staff members or those who have returned to their previous positions.
One week prior to this layoff, the drafter of SB17, State Senator Brandon Creighton sent a letter to university system chancellors and board members, including those of the University of Texas at Austin, urging them to demonstrate compliance with the law.
Senator Creighton, who chairs the Senate Education Committee, warned universities that their funding could be frozen and they might face legal action for non-compliance. He emphasized the strict enforcement terms of SB17, including potential fund freezes and legal consequences for non-compliance.
The Senate Education Committee is set to hold oversight hearings in May to ensure that schools have taken necessary steps to cease all DEI projects, activities, training, and recruitment practices.
He requested each university to send a representative to testify at the hearing and respond in writing to five questions regarding the compliance of the university system by May 3.
The questions include:
1. How does your institution ensure there are no DEI offices or staff on campus, or individuals or entities fulfilling the duties of DEI offices or staff?
2. How does your institution ensure that students, staff, and faculty are not required to undergo DEI training?
3. How does your institution comply with provisions prohibiting preferential treatment of job seekers based on race, gender, color, ethnicity, or nationality?
4. How does your institution ensure that diversity statements are not considered for recruitment or promotion?
5. SB17 requires the State Auditor’s Office to conduct regular audits. How is your institution preparing for this oversight action?
Creighton reminded university boards that enforcement “depends not just on your responsibility, but also on the responsibility of this committee.”
A banner notice at the top of the University of Texas at Austin’s DCCE webpage informs visitors that the DEI office will be closing. There is a “Learn More” button that links to a reorganization chart of projects previously under DCCE.
In March, Alabama Governor Kay Ivey signed legislation prohibiting state agencies, local boards of education, and public higher education institutions from operating DEI programs or offices. The law will take effect on October 1.
Last year, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis also enacted similar legislation.