University of Texas at Austin Lays Off Nearly 60 Employees Amid Texas DEI Ban

The University of Texas at Austin has laid off nearly 60 employees, primarily in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) roles, following the implementation of Texas Senate Bill 17, which limits DEI initiatives at public universities in the state. The layoffs include 49 employees in DEI-related positions, as well as 8 associate or assistant deans who worked with related duties. An additional 8 people in the Student Affairs Division were also terminated, though this was unrelated to the April 2 layoff announcements.

UT Austin President Jay Hartzell stated that the changes aim to bring the university into fuller compliance with the law, which went into effect in January. Hartzell said the final decision for the employee terminations was his, citing legislative priorities and a growing distrust in higher education among conservatives as additional pressures. The university noted that one person decided to retire instead of having their position eliminated.

The layoffs have sparked backlash from students, faculty, and staff, who have disrupted a virtual faculty council meeting, called for transparency and accountability, and demanded a reversal of the firings. Critics argue the layoffs were discriminatory and violated the employees' right to freedom of expression. About 200 students protested the layoffs by disrupting the virtual faculty council meeting.

Why this matters: The layoffs at UT Austin are part of a broader trend, with more than 100 job cuts occurring across Texas universities so far due to the DEI ban. The conflict exemplifies the tensions arising from Texas' new restrictions on DEI initiatives in public higher education, with the state being one of five that have recently passed legislation targeting such programs.

The university has also shut down several student support programs, including the Multicultural Engagement Center, which students considered a home away from home." The campus morale is described as "sad" as the community grapples with the loss of staff and faculty who served as mentors and friends. The Texas Conference of the American Association of University Professors reported that at least 62 UT employees have been laid off in total, including 13 non-tenure track faculty members. Hartzell said the terminated employees will receive pay through July 5th and will be offered special consideration for other open university jobs.

Key Takeaways

• UT Austin laid off 60 employees, mostly in DEI roles, due to Texas Senate Bill 17.
• The layoffs include 49 DEI employees and 8 associate/assistant deans with related duties.
• UT Austin President cited legislative priorities and distrust in higher ed as reasons for firings.
• Layoffs sparked backlash from students, faculty, and staff, who demand transparency and reversal.
• Over 100 job cuts have occurred across Texas universities due to the state's DEI ban.