Diversity

Texas senators got an update from universities on steps they are taking to comply with a new state law banning diversity, equity and inclusion offices and programs on their campuses. Lawmakers also heard testimony on free speech in the wake of pro-Palestinian protests.

Jay Hartzell first announced the layoffs in an April 2 email that did not include the number of positions being eliminated.

Senate Bill 17, which bans Texas public universities from having DEI programs and trainings, went into effect Jan. 1. Since then, UT Austin has renamed, reorganized or eliminated several university organizations. Now it's cutting jobs.

They say certain groups were not given the opportunity to make adjustments to comply with the new law. Because they are no longer sponsored by UT, they no longer receive financial support.

Actors face bias, discrimination and typecasting in an industry that lacks diversity among its creative leaders.

UTSA had planned to open a new Office of Campus and Community Belonging on Jan. 1 that would have held onto all of the staff from the Office of Inclusive Excellence but changed course in a Tuesday statement from the university president.

Senate Bill 17 banned diversity, equity and inclusion programs at state colleges and universities. Schools are complying – while still working in support of DEI goals.

Senate Bill 17 — which bans all Diversity, Equity, and inclusion, or DEI, offices at public colleges and universities across Texas — goes into effect Jan. 1. UTSA officials provided the newest update on how it will impact the university.

A new University of Southern California report pinpoints areas that need improvement — as well as a few small wins.

'The recent challenges regarding Dr. McElroy have made it clear to me that I must retire immediately,' Banks wrote in her resignation letter. 'The negative press is a distraction from the wonderful work being done here.'