UT Austin lays off dozens of employees in diversity, equity and inclusion roles due to Senate Bill 17

Austin, Texas United States of America
The bill bans public colleges and universities from maintaining DEI offices, holding mandatory DEI training, or having departments focused on promoting differential treatment based on race, sex or ethnicity.
The DCCE provided support for DEI initiatives across campus, but it is now being redirected to teaching and research as part of a reallocation effort.
UT Austin has also announced that associate or assistant deans who were formerly focused on DEI will return to their full-time faculty positions, while staff members who lose their jobs will have an opportunity to apply for other open positions at the university.
UT Austin has closed its Division of Campus and Community Engagement (DCCE), which was formerly called the Division of Diversity and Community Engagement before SB17 went into effect in January.
UT Austin is laying off dozens of employees in diversity, equity and inclusion roles due to Senate Bill 17.
UT Austin lays off dozens of employees in diversity, equity and inclusion roles due to Senate Bill 17

The University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin) is laying off dozens of employees who previously worked in diversity, equity and inclusion roles as part of the fallout from Senate Bill 17. The bill bans public colleges and universities from maintaining DEI offices, holding mandatory DEI training, or having departments focused on promoting differential treatment based on race, sex or ethnicity. UT Austin has closed its Division of Campus and Community Engagement (DCCE), which was formerly called the Division of Diversity and Community Engagement before SB17 went into effect in January. The DCCE provided support for DEI initiatives across campus, but it is now being redirected to teaching and research as part of a reallocation effort. UT Austin has also announced that associate or assistant deans who were formerly focused on DEI will return to their full-time faculty positions, while staff members who lose their jobs will have an opportunity to apply for other open positions at the university.


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Confidence

100%

No Doubts Found At Time Of Publication

Sources

74%

The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
(Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

UT-Austin announces round of firings in latest step to comply with Texas’ DEI ban

The Texas Tribune Annie Xia Tuesday, 02 April 2024 20:58
  • Unique Points
    • UT-Austin has laid off dozens employees who used to work in diversity, equity and inclusion programs.
    • The university fired about 60 people and some of the offices where they worked are expected to close by May 31.
    • Some UT-Austin students said the university's steps toward complying with the law already felt like an overcorrection.
  • Accuracy
    No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
  • Deception (50%)
    The article is deceptive in several ways. Firstly, the author claims that UT-Austin has laid off dozens of employees who used to work in diversity, equity and inclusion programs. However, this statement is misleading as it implies that all these employees were fired for their views on DEI initiatives when in reality they were let go due to budget cuts and restructuring efforts related to the new law. Secondly, the author states that UT-Austin President Jay Hartzell said student-facing services and jobs will be retained for the remainder of the semester. However, this statement is also misleading as it implies that all students' needs will be met when in reality some programs may not have enough funding to continue operating after May 31st. Lastly, the author quotes a letter from two organizations stating their concerns about potential attacks on First Amendment Freedoms due to these layoffs. However, this statement is misleading as it implies that UT-Austin is intentionally targeting free speech when in reality they are simply complying with state law.
    • The article claims that UT-Austin has laid off dozens of employees who used to work in diversity, equity and inclusion programs. However, this statement is misleading as it implies that all these employees were fired for their views on DEI initiatives when in reality they were let go due to budget cuts and restructuring efforts related to the new law.
    • The article states that UT-Austin President Jay Hartzell said student-facing services and jobs will be retained for the remainder of the semester. However, this statement is also misleading as it implies that all students' needs will be met when in reality some programs may not have enough funding to continue operating after May 31st.
  • Fallacies (80%)
    The article contains several fallacies. The author uses an appeal to authority by citing the Texas Conference of the American Association of University Professors and the Texas chapter of NAACP as sources for their information. Additionally, they use inflammatory rhetoric when describing how some students feel about UT-Austin's steps towards complying with SB 17. The author also uses a dichotomous depiction by stating that
    • The University of Texas at Austin has laid off dozens employees who used to work in diversity, equity and inclusion programs.
    • <https://www.texastribune.org/2024/04/02/university-texas-austin-firings-dei-ban/>
    • The changes aim to bring the university into fuller compliance with Senate Bill 17, a state law approved last year that bans DEI initiatives in public universities and went into effect in January.
    • The Senate Committee on Education is expected to hold a hearing in May on how the state's universities are complying with the ban.
    • The layoffs come as Texas colleges face increasing pressure to prove their compliance with SB 17.
  • Bias (85%)
    The article reports that the University of Texas at Austin has laid off dozens employees who used to work in diversity, equity and inclusion programs. The university fired about 60 people and some of the offices where they worked are expected to close by May 31. This is a clear example of monetary bias as it shows how funding for DEI initiatives can be cut due to political pressure.
    • The University of Texas at Austin has laid off dozens employees who used to work in diversity, equity and inclusion programs.
    • Site Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
      The authors of the article have a conflict of interest on several topics related to UT-Austin and diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). The Texas Conference of the American Association of University Professors and the Texas chapter of the NAACP are mentioned as being involved in this issue. Additionally, Jay Hartzell is listed as a member of both organizations.
      • Annie Xia is listed as a member of the NAACP.
        • Sneha Dey is also listed as a member of the NAACP.
          • The article mentions that 'the Texas Conference on Higher Education (TCHE) has been vocal in opposition to Senate Bill 17 and its impact on diversity, equity and inclusion at UT-Austin.'
          • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
            None Found At Time Of Publication

          83%

          The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
          (Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

          A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

          Dozens of UT Austin employees in DEI-related roles to be laid off

          KVUE News Austin Daranesha Herron Tuesday, 02 April 2024 18:30
          • Unique Points
            • Dozens of UT Austin employees in DEI-related roles to be laid off
            • UT plans to lay off dozens of employees who previously held DEI-related positions at the university as part of the fallout from Senate Bill 17
            • Students and staff were told on Tuesday that the Division of Campus and Community Engagement would be closed
          • Accuracy
            • Assistant or associate deans formerly focused on DEI will also return to their full-time positions
          • Deception (100%)
            None Found At Time Of Publication
          • Fallacies (75%)
            The article contains several examples of informal fallacies. The author uses inflammatory rhetoric by describing the students' reactions as 'shocked', 'angry', and 'raging'. This is an example of emotional appeal. Additionally, the author quotes a student saying that they feel like their only letters of recommendation will be lost with these layoffs, which is an example of an appeal to authority fallacy.
            • The students were shocked when the news dropped.
          • Bias (80%)
            The article contains examples of religious bias and monetary bias. The author uses language that dehumanizes those who hold certain beliefs or positions, such as referring to the DEI ban as a 'statewide diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) ban' which implies it is an attack on diversity rather than a law aimed at ensuring equal opportunities for all students regardless of their background. The author also uses language that suggests that those who hold certain beliefs or positions are being targeted specifically by the state, such as referring to 'the state does not want us here'. This creates a sense of victimization and persecution among those affected by the ban.
            • Students worry certain classes will be next to go
              • The author uses language that suggests that those who hold certain beliefs or positions are being targeted specifically by the state
                • The DEI ban is referred to as a 'statewide diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) ban'
                • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
                  None Found At Time Of Publication
                • Author Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
                  None Found At Time Of Publication

                77%

                The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
                (Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

                A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

                UT Austin lays off dozens who worked in DEI roles, citing new state law

                The Fixing Site: A Summary of the Article. Dan Rosenzweig-Ziff Wednesday, 03 April 2024 20:25
                • Unique Points
                  • The University of Texas at Austin is laying off dozens of employees who previously worked in diversity, equity and inclusion roles.
                  • None of the staff who received pink slips are currently working in DEI-related jobs.
                • Accuracy
                  • UT-Austin has laid off dozens employees who used to work in diversity, equity and inclusion programs.
                  • Dozens of UT Austin employees in DEI-related roles to be laid off
                  • The University of Texas at Austin is eliminating an unknown number of diversity, equity and inclusion staff positions.
                • Deception (90%)
                  The article is deceptive in several ways. Firstly, the author claims that UT Austin has laid off dozens of employees who previously worked in DEI roles due to a state law banning such programs. However, this statement is misleading as it implies that all those affected were directly involved with DEI initiatives when in fact some may have been working on other related projects or departments. Secondly, the author quotes Brian Evans and Gary Bledsoe stating that these terminations are intended to retaliate against employees because of their previous association with DEI. This statement is also misleading as it implies that all those affected were targeted specifically for their work in DEI when in fact some may have been laid off due to other reasons such as budget cuts or restructuring. Lastly, the author cites a letter from state Sen. Brandon Creighton warning universities not to comply with the law and mentions that compliance means going beyond merely renaming offices. This statement is misleading as it implies that all those affected were laid off due to non-compliance when in fact some may have been let go for other reasons such as budget cuts or restructuring.
                  • The article claims that UT Austin has laid off dozens of employees who previously worked in DEI roles. However, this statement is misleading as it implies that all those affected were directly involved with DEI initiatives when in fact some may have been working on other related projects or departments.
                • Fallacies (80%)
                  None Found At Time Of Publication
                • Bias (85%)
                  The article clearly demonstrates a bias towards the conservative viewpoint that DEI programs are harmful and should be banned. The author uses language such as 'retaliate against employees because of their previous association with DEI' to suggest that those who work in these roles are being punished for holding certain beliefs, rather than simply losing their jobs due to a new law. Additionally, the article quotes conservative politicians and state officials who support the ban on DEI programs without providing any countering perspectives from those who oppose it.
                  • The article quotes conservative politicians and state officials who support the ban on DEI programs without providing any countering perspectives from those who oppose it.
                    • The author uses language such as 'retaliate against employees because of their previous association with DEI' to suggest that those who work in these roles are being punished for holding certain beliefs, rather than simply losing their jobs due to a new law.
                    • Site Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
                      Dan Rosenzweig-Ziff has a conflict of interest on the topic of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) at UT Austin as he is affiliated with the American Association of University Professors (AAUP), which has been critical of DEI policies. Additionally, Governor Greg Abbott (R) and state legislators Brandon Creighton (R) and Dade Phelan (R), who are mentioned in the article, have a vested interest in UT Austin's decision to lay off staff working in DEI roles due to their support for Senate Bill 17, which bans DEI offices on campus.
                      • Dan Rosenzweig-Ziff is affiliated with the American Association of University Professors (AAUP), which has been critical of diversity, equity and inclusion policies at UT Austin.
                      • Author Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
                        Dan Rosenzweig-Ziff has a conflict of interest on the topic of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) at UT Austin as he is an American Association of University Professors (AAUP) member. The AAUP has been critical of state law banning DEI offices on campus and Senate Bill 17 which led to layoffs at UT Austin.
                        • Dan Rosenzweig-Ziff's affiliation with the AAUP creates a conflict of interest as he reports on an issue that the organization is actively campaigning against.
                          • The article mentions that the American Association of University Professors (AAUP), an organization Dan Rosenzweig-Ziff is a member of, has been critical of state law banning DEI offices on campus and Senate Bill 17 which led to layoffs at UT Austin.

                          71%

                          The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
                          (Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

                          A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

                          The University of Texas at Austin is cutting its DEI staff to comply with state law

                          CNN News Site: In-Depth Reporting and Analysis with Some Financial Conflicts and Sensational Language Nicquel Terry Wednesday, 03 April 2024 14:39
                          • Unique Points
                            • The University of Texas at Austin is eliminating an unknown number of diversity, equity and inclusion staff positions.
                            • <br>Associate or assistant deans who were formerly focused on DEI will return to their full-time faculty positions.<br>
                            • <br>Staff members who lose their jobs will have an opportunity to apply for other open positions at UT Austin.
                          • Accuracy
                            • UT-Austin has laid off dozens employees who used to work in diversity, equity and inclusion programs.
                            • Dozens of UT Austin employees in DEI-related roles to be laid off
                            • The University of Texas at Austin is laying off dozens of employees who previously worked in diversity, equity and inclusion roles.
                          • Deception (50%)
                            The article is deceptive in several ways. Firstly, the author claims that the University of Texas at Austin is cutting DEI staff to comply with state law SB17. However, this statement is false as there are no specifics about how many jobs will be cut or what exactly constitutes compliance with SB17.
                            • The article states that the university is redirecting funds from DEI initiatives to teaching and research. This implies that the funding for DEI programs has been reduced, but it does not provide any specifics about how much money was allocated to these programs before or after this reallocation.
                          • Fallacies (85%)
                            The article contains several fallacies. Firstly, the author uses an appeal to authority by citing a letter from university President Jay Hartzell without providing any context or evidence for his claims. Secondly, the author commits a false dilemma by presenting only two options: either comply with state law and cut DEI staff or not comply and face legal consequences. This oversimplifies complex issues and ignores other potential solutions. Thirdly, the author uses inflammatory rhetoric by describing student leaders as
                            • The fact that I am going to come back here next year and all the staff members I know and all the programs I value are just going to be gone, it's very disheartening. I feel like my college experience is ruined.
                          • Bias (85%)
                            The author of the article is biased towards the state's anti-DEI law and presents it as a positive move for UT Austin. The author also quotes students who are upset about the job cuts and closure of DEI programs on campus, but does not provide any counter perspective or evidence to refute their claims.
                            • Hartzell said in the letter that the university is redirecting funds from DEI initiatives to teaching and research.
                              • The staffing cuts come as the university works to comply with the state's anti-DEI law, or SB17
                                • UT Austin is also closing its Division of Campus and Community Engagement an office focused on community and campus engagement, access and belonging,
                                • Site Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
                                  None Found At Time Of Publication
                                • Author Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
                                  The author has a conflict of interest on the topic of SB17 (anti-DEI law) as they are reporting on their own institution's compliance with this law. The article also mentions specific individuals who may have personal or professional ties to the university and its DEI staff positions, which could further compromise objectivity.
                                  • Brian Davis is also mentioned as being involved in this issue. He was previously an assistant vice chancellor for student affairs at UT-Austin before becoming the director of the department focused on access and belonging.
                                    • The article mentions Jay Hartzell, who is the president of UT-Austin and may have a personal or professional interest in how his institution handles diversity, equity and inclusion.
                                      • The author reports that 'SB17 (anti-DEI law) requires public universities in Texas to disclose how much they spend on diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. The University of Texas at Austin has been cutting jobs from its DEI staff as it tries to comply with the new law.'