University of Texas System suspends new DEI policies, launches probe into current ones

The University of Texas System this week suspended the launch of any new diversity, equity and inclusion programs and initiated the start of an investigation into current ones.

The system, which oversees 13 academic and health institutions across the state, made the announcement in the wake of Texas Gov. Greg Abbott’s office earlier this month telling state agencies to stop using DEI policies in hiring, calling it employment discrimination that violates federal and state employment laws.

In a statement Wednesday, UT Systems’ Board of Regents Chairman Kevin Eltife said that while system leaders celebrate the notion and promotion of diversity on campus, “DEI efforts have strayed away from the original intent to now imposing requirements and actions that rightfully so has raised the concerns of our policymakers.”