AUSTIN, Texas — State leaders and organizations put on a united front Wednesday to address the impacts and repercussions of Senate Bill 17, which bans Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) offices at public universities in Texas.
More than 60 University of Texas faculty members were alerted they would be let go from their positions. The staff members are said to have held DEI-related roles.
The Texas Legislative Black Caucus, Texas NAACP President Gary Bledsoe and the Texas Conference of the American Association of University Professors were among the groups joined by Texas Reps. Gina Hinojosa, Ron Reynolds and Sheryl Cole on Wednesday.
"As a UT alum, I am mad," Cole said.
The group argued SB 17 is "vague, unclear and unconstitutional," and that there were promises among lawmakers that were not delivered when the bill was discussed during legislative session.
"[John Kuempel, House sponsor of SB 17] assured us on the House floor with his own words that none of the 60 professors and faculty at the UT will be terminated," Reynolds said.
"We would like to see the staff reinstated and the terminations rescinded at UT Austin," Brian Evans, president-elect of the Texas Conference of the American Association of University Professors, said.
Sixty-six people were laid off, and the group noted that number could double. They've reached that count through those who have come forward. UT has not confirmed the amount of layoffs.
The representatives and organizations said the focus is outreach and to gather as much information before they take their case to UT. They also intend to eventually take their fight to the Legislature when the next session kicks off in July.
"You don't put bills into effect with a hostile personality," NAACP Austin President Nelson Linder said.