In an effort to comply with Senate Bill 17, the University of Texas at Austin has reportedly laid off at least 60 employees who worked in diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, according to sources familiar with the matter. The university has also disbanded the Division of Campus and Community Engagement, a department that provided support and resources for individuals facing significant challenges in accessing education.

The changes come as a response to Senate Bill 17, a state law approved last year that prohibits DEI initiatives in public universities. The law went into effect in January, and Texas colleges have been under increasing pressure to demonstrate their compliance. Failure to adhere to the law could result in the loss of millions in state funding.

UT-Austin President Jay Hartzell addressed the layoffs in an email, acknowledging the controversy surrounding SB 17. He emphasized the importance of maintaining a welcoming and supportive community for all members of the university. Hartzell assured students that student-facing services and jobs will be retained for the remainder of the semester.

Employees affected by the layoffs have been encouraged to apply for other open positions within the university. This move aims to mitigate the impact on the workforce while complying with the new law.

Last month, Governor Greg Abbott stated that additional laws would be passed in the next legislative session to ensure the enforcement of the DEI ban. State Senator Brandon Creighton has also been closely monitoring universities' compliance and has written to university leaders, warning them of potential funding implications.

The Senate Committee on Education plans to hold a hearing in May to assess how Texas universities are complying with the ban. In preparation for the hearing, Senator Creighton has requested information from university leaders on their implementation of the law. One of the key questions in the inquiry examines the presence of DEI offices or officers on campus.

This latest development at UT-Austin has sparked concerns among some students who feel that the university's actions have already resulted in an overcorrection. Since the law's implementation, UT-Austin has closed down its multicultural center and terminated a scholarship program for undocumented students.

It remains to be seen how the universities across Texas will navigate the challenges posed by SB 17. As the legislative session approaches, educational institutions must demonstrate their commitment to fostering a merit-based environment, promoting personal excellence, and complying with the state's DEI ban.

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