"UT Austin's Mass Layoffs Linked to Texas DEI Ban"

The University of Texas at Austin has laid off at least 60 staff members who previously worked in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) positions, following a statewide ban on DEI programs in public colleges. The layoffs come after a Republican state legislator warned Texas university system administrators to comply with the controversial law, Senate Bill 17. The university is also closing the Division of Campus and Community Engagement, previously known as the Division of Diversity and Community Engagement, and redistributing remaining programs among other divisions. The layoffs have triggered fears about the impact on marginalized student groups and have been criticized for eliminating vital support services.