Universities in Texas have cut hundreds of jobs related to DEI initiatives

Source: Houston Chronicle/Hearst Newspapers via Getty Images/Getty

YOUTexas universities say they have eliminated hundreds of jobs and programs from their related college campuses to comply with state ban on DEI programs and initiatives

According to AP, the head of the University of Texas Systems announced that the school had cut 300 full- and part-time positions and more than 600 programs related to diversity, equity and inclusion training.

“You may not like the law, but it is the law,” James Milliken, system chancellor of the University of Texas, told AP.

Last month, the University of Texas at Austin campus, one of the largest college campuses in America, also closed its Campus and Community Engagement department to comply with the new law.

Texas’ anti-DEI bill, which took effect Jan. 1, prohibits public higher education institutions from establishing or maintaining offices of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), or retaining officers, employees or to hire or appoint contractors. perform the duties of a DEI office.

Lawmakers also make clear that there will be repercussions if the new law is not properly enforced.

Texas A&M University Chancellor John Sharp told lawmakers the new law “makes it crystal clear” that “if you tread in bad water again, something bad will happen to you.”

According to the best collegesthere are more than thirty bills targeting DEI programs at state-funded institutions. The bills aim to defund DEI offices and programs and remove diversity practices from the hiring process.

Florida, Texas, Alabama, Tennessee, North Dakota, South Dakota, Idaho and Utah have all signed anti-DEI bills.

Utah is the latest state to pass an anti-DEI law, which will go into effect on July 1, 2024.

In April, Kansas’ Democratic governor allowed an anti-DEI bill passed by their Republican Party-led lawmakers to become law without her signature.

According to APthe law will prohibit state universities, community colleges, and technical schools from requiring prospective students, potential employees, or promotions to make statements about their views on diversity, equity, and inclusion programs.

In March, Alabama lawmakers passed a bill that would ban universities, K-12 schools and government agencies from sponsoring DEI programs. what the bill defines such as any program, class, training, seminar or other event where participation is based on an individual’s race, gender, gender identity, ethnicity, national origin or sexual orientation.

click here for a complete list of DEI accounts that have been introduced.

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