University of Texas system pauses new diversity, equity, and inclusion policies

AUSTIN, Texas — The 13-campus University of Texas system is putting a pause on new diversity, inclusivity, and equity policies, and that includes UT Austin. This comes after a letter from the governor last week warning state agencies that DEI practices may be illegal.

We first heard about the change in UT policy Wednesday at the meeting of the regents -- a pause in new diversity, inclusivity, and equity policies across the system and a request for a report on hiring on campuses.

It is a move supported by the conservative think tank Texas Public Policy Foundation.

“Everyone supports expanding our universities so that every Texan can study here and that our universities and state agencies should look like Texas. What they do not support is being required to sign off on an ideology,” said senior public policy fellow Sherry Sylvester.

But Kim Crowder, a native Houstonian who now runs her own workplace culture consulting firm in the Midwest, questions why UT has moved quickly.

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“Why is the immediate response a pause on diversity, equity, and inclusion? This is something the governor just said. It is not something that has been put into the law.”

Crowder says DEI helps bring historically underrepresented groups to universities.

“What DEI means is building a better organization. So, diversity is having a myriad of different identities show up in the workplace,” she said.

But conservatives link DEI to critical race theory.

“What critical race theory posits is the idea that America was founded on slavery. Capitalism was founded on slavery,” Sylvester said.

UT is not the only institution to make a change. Texas A&M University told CBS Austin they have now standardized the application process for faculty to include only:

• Cover letter
• Curriculum vitae
• Personal statement to include philosophy and plans for research, as well as teaching and service
• Professional references

But Crowder says it is chipping away at leveling the playing field. “My call to folks is that you push back, that you make those calls.”