The University of Texas at Austin announced it will lay off around 60 employees related to diversity, equity, and inclusion measures after Texas banned DEI positions at public universities.
UT Austin is ensuring its compliance with the January legislation, sending a message announcing the “organizational changes.” Texas public institutions will need to comply with five specific requirements of the law, including getting rid of DEI offices and implementing merit-based hiring.
“We are discontinuing programs and activities within the Division of Campus and Community Engagement (DCCE) that now overlap with our efforts elsewhere,” university President Jay Hartzell said in the message. “Following these changes, the scale and needs of the remaining DCCE activities do not justify a stand-alone division. As a result, we are closing DCCE and redistributing the remaining programs.”
Hartzell said the university reviewed “campus portfolios [to] end or redesign the policies, programs, training, and roles affected by the new law” to ensure compliance. He said some programs, which have existed on campus for decades, such as disability services, will be redistributed to existing campus divisions.
The message comes as state Sen. Brandon Creighton sent a letter to Texas public universities informing them they must send in writing how their universities are complying with the law by May 3. He said he was encouraged by the progress made at universities but still needed confirmation.
“I am deeply concerned with the possibility that many institutions may choose to merely rename their offices or employee titles,” Creighton said. “This letter should serve as notice that this practice is unacceptable.”
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Layoffs are expected to come in the next 90 days, and student-facing services and jobs will be retrained through the end of the semester. Staff members who were laid off as a result of the legislation may apply for other jobs at the university.
“I recognize that strong feelings have surrounded SB17 from the beginning and will shape many Longhorns’ perceptions of these measures,” Hartzell said. “It is important that we respect the perspectives and experiences of our fellow Longhorns as the changes we are announcing today take effect. It is also important that this continues to be a welcoming, supportive community for all.”
