In a significant development in Texas, over 100 faculty members have been terminated across state universities following the implementation of a diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) ban. The Texas Association of University Professors confirmed that at least 66 of these layoffs occurred within the University of Texas (UT) system as of April 2. This move has sparked widespread criticism from various quarters, including Black lawmakers, the NAACP, the Texas Black Caucus, and student groups, in response to SB17. Critics argue that the layoffs are an overreaction to the DEI ban, with some suggesting that universities are attempting to circumvent the new restrictions by reassigning DEI officials to other departments. Amidst these layoffs, state leaders and organizations have called on UT Austin to reverse its decision, particularly criticizing the closure of the Division of Campus and Community Engagement, which resulted in the loss of 66 staff members and six programs. The Texas NAACP has described the layoffs as a 'breach of trust,' highlighting the impact on the university community and the broader implications for diversity and inclusion efforts in higher education.
Texas' diversity, equity and inclusion ban has led to more than 100 job cuts at state universities https://t.co/prTO10F3aF
'This was a breach of trust': TX NAACP confirms 66 former UT DEI jobs lost at UT April 2 - https://t.co/Kse5gJh2JV #GoogleAlerts
'Without warning': Local leaders confirm 66-plus UT staff laid off under DEI ban - https://t.co/ndZvdboFhc #GoogleAlerts
Legislators, NAACP, and Professors Condemn UT's Mass Layoffs - The Austin Chronicle - https://t.co/WOQDXHikoe #GoogleAlerts
Texas NAACP confirms 66 former UT DEI jobs, six programs lost - Austin American-Statesman - https://t.co/qzAzFtg374 #GoogleAlerts
Central Texas group works to support students amid statewide DEI cuts https://t.co/8gTfQ6AOEb
'This was a breach of trust': TX NAACP confirms 66 former UT DEI jobs lost at UT April 2 https://t.co/z6ka0UWqzZ
Rights group, politicians react to UT layoffs, DCCE closing months after SB 17 began https://t.co/EJkD5Za48P
Many UT Austin students say they are devastated by the university’s decision to shutter the Division of Campus and Community Engagement and fire at least 66 staff members. https://t.co/44ssUzl8ZI
Critics warn schools are skirting Texas DEI ban after university shuffles DEI officials to other departments https://t.co/TuG1dSbFbu
UT Dallas students say diversity program layoffs send mixed signals https://t.co/nq7EAJFOJL
Amidst news of dozens of job eliminations in at least two Texas public universities in the last two weeks, Republicans could be looking to further restrict diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in higher education. https://t.co/y7lS9uXzuy
NAACP, Texas Black Caucus and supporters denounce SB17, terminations at UT - https://t.co/KJnvmg394b #GoogleAlerts
State leaders, organizations call on UT Austin to reverse DEI layoffs - KVUE - https://t.co/wxhXvR3zft #GoogleAlerts
Texas Association of University Professors confirms at least 66 faculty members terminated ... - https://t.co/wN7Kyhvajz #GoogleAlerts
'An overreaction': Black lawmakers, advocates denounce UT schools' layoffs due to DEI ban - https://t.co/ZTwDyhmgwj #GoogleAlerts