Texas university clears DEI offices, fires employees in light of new state law: report

A Black University of Texas at Austin student told Fox News Digital she was disappointed to find out that there won’t be any Black-only graduations sponsored by the university anymore.

The University of Texas at Austin fired dozens of employees who worked in their diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs to comply with a new state law, according to a report.

University of Texas at Austin President Jay Hartzell announced Tuesday the school’s Division of Campus and Community Engagement is being dissolved and its programs and funding transferred to other divisions. 

The announcement comes as the university works to comply with a new Texas law that came into effect Jan. 1, which effectively dissolved DEI institutions at public colleges and universities throughout the state.

The Austin American-Statesman reported that a person with knowledge about the situation said 60 positions that were related to DEI work were eliminated at UT-Austin. 

HARVARD LAW PROFESSOR URGES UNIVERSITY TO 'ABANDON' DEI STATEMENTS: 'IDEOLOGICAL PLEDGES OF ALLEGIANCE'

An aerial view of the University of Texas at Austin campus at sunset. (iStock)

The law mandates that all governing boards of public colleges and universities ensure that their institutions prohibit the establishment and maintenance of a DEI office and the issue of "DEI Statements." In addition, hiring practices and training are no longer able to use DEI statements.

"I recognize that strong feelings have surrounded SB 17 from the beginning and will shape many Longhorns’ perceptions of these measures," Hartzell wrote in reference to the new law. "It is also important that this continues to be a welcoming, supportive community for all."

In the message, Hartzell said student-facing