UT-Austin defunds all DEI programs, reportedly fires 60 DEI employees

The University of Texas at Austin announced Tuesday that is is defunding all of its DEI programming to comply with a law passed in 2023 that bans diversity, equity and inclusion offices at the state’s public colleges and universities.

The university will close it Division of Campus and Community Engagement and will redistribute any remaining programs that do not fall under DEI, such as disability services, to other departments, President Jay Hartzell announced in an email Tuesday afternoon to faculty, students and staff.

“Additionally, funding used to support DEI across campus prior to SB 17’s effective date will be redeployed to support teaching and research,” Hartzell said in the email, a copy of which was obtained by The College Fix.