The University of Texas at Austin reportedly laid off at least 60 employees in positions related to diversity, equity, and inclusion after a Texas law banning DEI programs and offices at public universities took effect.
UT Austin announced this week major organizational changes to comply with the state’s DEI law, Senate Bill 17, which went into effect in January. The law, signed by Republican Governor Greg Abbott in June 2023, prohibits public colleges in the state from establishing DEI offices and hiring DEI officers.
In a Tuesday letter to staff and students, UT Austin President Jay Hartzell said that the school’s Division of Campus and Community Engagement, once known as the Division of Diversity and Community Engagement, would close.
“Soon after the passage last year of Senate Bill 17 — which prohibits many activities around diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) —…
