Students at the University of Texas at Austin are coming to terms with tangible changes following the implementation of Senate Bill 17, which effectively bans diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives at state-funded universities. With the spring semester kicking off on January 20, students set to graduate were greeted with the news that cultural graduation ceremonies tied to the Multicultural Engagement Center (MEC) are now a thing of the past, as reported by KVUE.
Feeling the brunt of the DEI ban, UT Austin has moved to shutter the MEC, leading to the discontinuation of several student groups that called it home. Danika Williams, a UT senior, told KVUE, "It's kind of sad, but with the cancellation of DEI you're going to see much more rollbacks. This is just the start of it, and then closing the center altogether." In an attempt to keep serving the student community, the university has unveiled the Division of Campus and Community Engagement. This division is charged with the responsibility, albeit under a reformed structure due to SB 17, to encourage campus-wide interaction and foster a sense of belonging for all students.
According to MySA, the UT-Austin campus has been in a state of preparation and anticipation before the law even took full effect, with the school reforming hiring practices to eliminate bias based on race and sex, and working on alternative ways to comply with the guidelines laid out by the new law. The Gender and Sexuality Center has already announced its closure, pivoting to the Women's Community Center to adapt to the SB 17 stipulations.
In the throes of these sudden changes, UT President Jay Hartzell reassured the community that core university functions, such as academics and research, would remain unaffected. "It is important to remember that even while we are complying with the new law and policy, many things will not change," Hartzell said, as per an update given earlier with an email announcement directed towards the students, shared by MYSA. Dr. LaToya Smith, vice president for Diversity and Community Engagement, also remains committed, "While we continue the work to adjust programming to meet SB 17’s requirements and reflect this change in our focus, it is important to reiterate what will not change: our Division’s commitment to fostering access and belonging," a statement gathered by MySA.
While the DEI offices are shut by the new law, campus life at UT Austin forges ahead with modifications. Students, for their part, are resolved to press on in the face of these restrictions, as one UT junior expressed determination to KVUE, "I think that although it is a little bit of a setback, we just keep finding ways to continue."
