Public universities in Texas are eliminating DEI offices and positions following the implementation of a new law, SB 17, which bans DEI initiatives in taxpayer-funded higher education. This has resulted in substantial financial savings redirected to other university purposes, including student recruiting efforts.
The Epoch Times reported that during a hearing before the Texas Senate Subcommittee on Higher Education, university administrators discussed compliance with SB 17. The law, which took effect on January 1, prohibits DEI offices, influenced hiring based on race, sex, color, or ethnicity, and DEI-related activities or trainings.
The University of Texas System announced the closure of 21 DEI offices, the dissolution of 311 positions, and the cancellation of 681 DEI-related programs, contracts, and trainings.
These actions have saved the university system over $25 million. UT System Chancellor James Milliken stated, “To date, based on the institutional responses, we estimate that over $25 million will be saved or reallocated to other university-mission-related purposes.”
The Texas State University System also eliminated DEI programs and positions, saving $3 million. Similarly, the University of Houston System freed up about $750,000 by cutting DEI initiatives. These funds are being redirected to other university needs, including enhancing student recruitment efforts.
During the hearing, UT faculty were relieved of DEI-related duties, and the tasks were completely eliminated. Milliken emphasized, “You may not like the law, but it is the law. We’re not looking for loopholes. We’re not looking for workarounds. We’re going to fully implement this.”
Texas A&M University System Chancellor John Sharp testified about the changes within their system. He noted that nine DEI offices were closed and 27 full-time positions were purged. The resources saved from these cuts are being used to bolster student recruitment efforts.
Sharp explained, “We devoted that money that we saved and some more, for instance at Texas A&M, to recruiting.”
Texas A&M has increased its efforts to recruit high school students from beyond its traditional influence areas.
Sharp likened the recruitment strategy to that of a football coach, saying, “We act like a football coach, to go in there and find the best [students] that are going to Stanford, that are going somewhere else, to make sure they know what the best opportunities are.”
These efforts have already yielded positive results. Sharp reported a double-digit increase in applications to Texas A&M. He highlighted the importance of raising awareness about the opportunities available at Texas A&M and other state universities, stating, “The problem is, a lot of kids out there don’t know [about Texas A&M] and a lot of high schools don’t know what’s available in places like UT and A&M. We’re frankly spending a lot of time, a lot of effort beefing up those efforts around the state.”
The passage of SB 17 was largely along party lines, with significant opposition from Democrats.
State Sen. Royce West emphasized the need to examine the impact of the law, saying, “We need to look at pre-SB 17 and post-SB 17 to see exactly where we are as institutions. That will help us with writing history as it related to the impact of this particular bill.”
As Texas universities navigate the new landscape created by SB 17, they are redirecting resources and adjusting their strategies to comply with the law.
The financial savings achieved through the elimination of DEI initiatives are being reallocated to support other university missions, particularly in enhancing student recruitment efforts.
In conclusion, the implementation of SB 17 has led to significant changes in Texas public universities, including the elimination of DEI offices and positions. These changes have resulted in substantial financial savings, which are being redirected to other university purposes, particularly student recruitment.
University leaders have testified about their compliance efforts and the positive impact on student applications. The political context of the law's passage and its effects on university operations continue to be a topic of discussion and analysis.
Overall, Texas universities are adapting to the new requirements and focusing on attracting more students from diverse backgrounds, demonstrating a shift in priorities following the implementation of SB 17.
