AUSTIN, Texas — Following a turbulent academic year, a new report says more layoffs are coming to the University of Texas at Austin.
Nearly two dozen employees responsible for UT Austin's communications and marketing will be laid off by the end of August.
KUT first reported the layoffs, with sources saying 19 to 20 people would be let go, which appears to be approximately 25% of UT's department. A university spokesperson declined to comment on the decision, citing the department was undergoing a "restructure."
According to an email obtained by KUT, the university told employees it would eliminate several full-time positions. The letter did not mention recent issues facing UT Austin, including protests or DEI layoffs.
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However, Vice President and Chief Communications Officer Emily Reagan listed "crises" as a reason for the layoffs. Reagan also reportedly told the affected employees on a Zoom call, "This was not a performance-related decision."
"It is critical for our central marketing and communications function to focus intently on managing reputational issues and crises,” Reagan said in her email. She also said the university would start a search nationwide for a new vice president who could help manage "issues and crises at the top.”
According to KUT, the affected employees will stay with UT Austin until Aug. 31. They've also been encouraged to look for new jobs during work hours.
Earlier this year, more than 600 faculty members signed a letter expressing "no confidence" in UT President Jay Hartzell. The letter cited UT's removal of 40 staff members as part of Senate Bill 17, which banned Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) offices at public universities. It also condemned UT's response to pro-Palestine protests on campus.
