Public universities in Texas have made significant cuts to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs following the implementation of a new law that prohibits the establishment and maintenance of DEI offices. University administrators shared with state lawmakers that since the law went into effect on Jan. 1, the University of Texas (UT) System has closed 21 DEI offices, eliminated 311 positions, and discontinued 681 DEI-related contracts, programs, and trainings. This has resulted in over $25 million in savings or reallocation towards other university-related purposes.
Under the law, known as SB 17, public colleges and universities are not allowed to have DEI offices that influence hiring practices based on race, sex, color, or ethnicity, or conduct programs related to race, color, ethnicity, gender identity, or sexual orientation. The legislation also prohibits requiring students or faculty to endorse ideologies that promote differential treatment based on race, color, or ethnicity, as well as considering these factors in hiring decisions.
University leaders reported that defunding DEI initiatives has freed up additional resources. For example, the Texas State University System saved $3 million by eliminating DEI programs, while the University of Houston System had $750,000 available for other uses.
To comply with the law, faculty members with administrative DEI duties at UT have been relieved of those responsibilities. Chancellor James Milliken emphasized the importance of full implementation of SB 17, stating that they are not seeking loopholes or workarounds.
New Recruiting Focus
Texas A&M University Chancellor John Sharp, a critic of DEI, reported that all nine DEI offices across the Texas A&M system have been closed in compliance with SB 17. This systemwide effort has led to the elimination of 27 full-time positions, with resources redirected towards recruiting prospective students.
Sharp highlighted the success of the recruiting strategy in raising awareness of Texas A&M among high school students outside the university’s traditional reach. The efforts have resulted in a double-digit increase in applications to the university.
SB 17, which was passed by Texas’ Republican-dominated state Legislature, has faced opposition from Democrats concerned about its impact on university diversity goals. State Sen. Royce West emphasized the importance of assessing the effects of the law on institutions to understand its impact.
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