Diversity, equity and inclusion pause at UT Austin

By Haley Pacheco

Several bills have been introduced in the legislature to attack diversity, equity and inclusion, as well as Critical Race Theory and tenure.

A statewide pause went into effect on February 22nd, resulting in the University of Texas System schools and other public universities across the state pausing DEI initiatives.

State Rep. Carl Tepper, R-Lubbock, filed three bills, HB 1006, HB 1033, and HB 1046, to prohibit initiatives related to diversity, equity, and inclusion in public institutions of higher education and other governmental entities.

The bills propose transparency with how taxpayer dollars are being spent in regards to diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.

“While I strongly believe that public universities should allow a wide variety of debates and

opinions, universities should not use taxpayer dollars to inculcate students with negative values,” according to a press release from Tepper.

Many students and staff are under the impression that this pause affects all DEI efforts, according to Brian Davis, senior manager of issues and crisis communications at The University of Texas at Austin.

“The university has paused the implementation of any new DEI policies in accordance with the directive from UT System,” Davis said. “Any current DEI initiatives remain ongoing.”

While the pause only affects new initiatives, Senate of College Councils vice president Sameeha Rizvi said this is still a threat to ongoing efforts.

“We're expecting is that these bills to go through the State Senate, but when it comes time for them to go to the house, we don't know,” Rizvi said. “Preparation is happening behind the scenes for everything to be in line with the law. It is a very critical time to do something now.”

After a statement released by Chairman Kevin Eltife, Texas Students for DEI was formed, calling for the reversal of that policy and the protection of DEI at UT.

“We’ve created a petition that's public with over 500 signatures,” Rizvi said. “And now, we've pivoted our efforts towards addressing and advocating against these bills.”

The coalition has connected with students in other system schools and other public institutions across the state.

“There's a very real possibility that a very anti-DEI reality is about to happen,” Rizvi said. “We need to work together and push back as a collective.”

Tepper also said in his press release that “diversity on college campuses is in itself a noble mission, but the practice of reverse discrimination and hostile attacks on contemporary America is counterproductive.”

Rizvi said the main thing is that DEI is not a political ideology, and at its core, it's a framework to promote fair treatment and full participation for all within institutions.

“I encourage (our legislators) to come and talk to students that are currently impacted by all this,” Rizvi said. “So we can sit down on an actual conversation about what DEI is not discriminatory, and that’s the honest truth.”

Rizvi is a part of the Multicultural Engagement Center on campus, as well as the Queer & Trans POC agency.

“I was able to center these communities in particular,” Rizvi said. “And if anti-DEI bills are to go through, then it's very likely that this programming that we are able to host for all students will not be able to exist.”

Higher education is a place known for academic freedom and a place of expression for opinions. Rizvi said this is also under attack.

Any decisions made in the legislature will be finalized by September 1st, and until then, the coalition will continue to spread awareness. Rizvi calls on everyone to educate themselves on these matters.

“Regardless of your background identity, “Rizvi said. “We need to really care about this.”