UT Austin lays off DEI-related workers, closes Division of Campus and Community Engagement
The University of Texas at Austin laid off sixty workers who worked in diversity, equity, and inclusion-related roles earlier this month. University administration also closed the Division of Campus and Community Engagement and cut funding for programs and organizations focused on DEI. These changes are due to SB 17, a Texas law that passed last year that heavily restricts DEI efforts at colleges and universities in the state. The decision has been met with widespread opposition, and UT Austin students recently attended a faculty council meeting to express their opinions. Students attended the virtual meeting and held up signs expressing their opposition to the DEI-related job cuts. Many employees that were affected by the layoffs are individuals who are a part of marginalized communities, including individuals of color, and queer and trans individuals. University administration responded to the widespread student opposition stating that the changes are required under the new Texas law.
See "UT Austin lays off DEI-related workers, closes Division of Campus and Community Engagement", Char Adams, NBC News, April 19, 2024