The University of Texas at Austin has announced the elimination of several diversity, equity, and inclusion staff positions as well as the closure of its department focused on access and belonging on campus. This decision comes as the university aims to comply with Texas' anti-DEI law, SB17, which prohibits public colleges and universities from maintaining DEI offices, conducting mandatory DEI training, and having departments that promote differential treatment based on race, sex, or ethnicity.
University President Jay Hartzell stated in a letter to the campus community that funds previously allocated to DEI initiatives will now be redirected to teaching and research. As a result, associate or assistant deans who were previously focused on DEI will return to their full-time faculty positions, leading to the elimination of supporting staff roles across campus.
