During a legislative hearing on Tuesday, school officials disclosed that Texas universities had made significant workforce and program adjustments in response to a recent state law imposing stringent restrictions on diversity programs on college campuses.
James Milliken, Chancellor of the University of Texas system, revealed that the system’s academic and health campuses had collectively eliminated 300 positions and over 600 programs associated with diversity, equity, and inclusion training. Milliken emphasized that while some may disagree with the law, compliance is mandatory.
The testimony from Milliken and other university leaders was part of an inquiry initiated by Republican state senators to assess compliance with the law signed by Governor Greg Abbott. Texas is among several states nationwide that have implemented measures to curtail or prohibit DEI initiatives and practices.
Republican State Senator Brandon Creighton expressed concerns about potential efforts by campuses to circumvent the law, cautioning against practices like renaming job titles or departments. He emphasized that such actions would not be tolerated.
Similar legislative efforts to limit DEI initiatives have been observed in numerous states across the country. Last month, the University of Texas at Austin announced the closure of its Division of Campus and Community Engagement and terminated several positions to adhere to the ban. The University of Florida also announced terminations in response to comparable state legislation.
Texas A&M University System Chancellor John Sharp underscored the seriousness of the legislation, warning of consequences for non-compliance.
In a related development, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill redirected state funds earmarked for diversity initiatives to public safety and policing, pending potential policy revisions. Meanwhile, the University of Oklahoma discontinued its National Education for Women Leadership program following an executive order restricting DEI initiatives.
Democratic State Senator Kay Floyd expressed regret over the termination of the leadership program in Oklahoma, emphasizing its significance in fostering female leadership in the legislature.
