The University of Texas at Austin has issued layoff notices to approximately 60 staff members who previously held roles in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) following the implementation of the state's anti-DEI law, SB17. This law prohibits public colleges and universities from maintaining DEI offices, conducting mandatory DEI training, and establishing departments that promote differential treatment based on race, sex, or ethnicity.
The affected staff members were given a 90-day layoff notice, with 40 of them coming from the Division of Campus and Community Engagement, which is set to close. This division was formerly known as the Division of Diversity and Community Engagement before SB17 took effect in January.
