On November 11, 2024, President Jay Hartzell testified at a Texas Senate higher education subcommittee hearing concerning diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies. This session occurred in the wake of Senate Bill 17, which took effect in January 2024 and prohibits DEI offices and practices at public universities in Texas.
Testimony and Participants
Hartzell was accompanied by Texas A&M University President Mark Welsh III and a representative from the Texas Public Policy Foundation. The hearing was the last interim meeting held by the subcommittee before the upcoming legislative session.
Impact of Senate Bill 17
In accordance with the provisions of Senate Bill 17, the University of Texas has closed its LGBTQ+ and multicultural centers and terminated 62 employees associated with DEI roles. This decision has faced criticism from some community stakeholders who argue that it represents an extreme interpretation of the law, especially as SB 17 does not extend to educational programs and research.
Committee Questions and Adjustments
Senate committee members questioned Hartzell and Welsh regarding the impact of SB 17 on minority groups within their institutions, as well as the procedural adjustments stemming from the law. These adjustments included the closure of the Multicultural Engagement Center and the discontinuation of cultural graduation ceremonies.
Public Testimony Support
The hearing also provided a platform for public testimony, during which numerous students and faculty from the University of Texas voiced their support for DEI programs and expressed concerns about the reduction of safe spaces following the enactment of SB 17.
Enrollment Inquiry
In response to Senator Royce West’s inquiry about the impact of SB 17 on minority enrollment, Hartzell refrained from directly addressing the question, instead noting a consistent increase in overall enrollment across diverse demographics over the past eight years.
Student Voices
During the public testimony phase, over a dozen students and faculty members articulated their support for DEI initiatives. Various organizations, including Texas Rising and Texas Students for DEI, organized efforts to mobilize participants for the testimony. The hearing extended for over six hours, with some individuals departing before they could share their comments.
Student Perspective
Genesis Britz, a junior majoring in government and philosophy, highlighted the necessity of diversity in education, asserting that a comprehensive educational experience is essential for upholding academic standards at the University of Texas.
Texas A&M Board Actions
Additionally, the Texas A&M Board of Regents passed a resolution instructing the president to discontinue specific minors and certificates with low enrollment, which included a minor in LGBTQ+ studies. Welsh clarified that these actions were undertaken without any political considerations.
Responses on Academic Reduction
Senator Brandon Creighton sought clarity on the processes employed by Hartzell and Welsh in determining the reduction of academic offerings. Hartzell responded by indicating that, while minors at the University of Texas have increased, the focus would remain on expansion rather than cuts, noting that minors have only been documented on student transcripts since 2016.
Aligning Offerings with Demand
Hartzell emphasized the importance of aligning course offerings with student interests and industry demands, mentioning that course proposals can originate from different levels within the institution, including faculty and administrative staff.
(Source: The Daily Texan)